Henrik Lundqvist says he’s ready to challenge Eli Manning in this sport


Get ready for Lundqvist vs. Manning — on the tennis court.

“I haven’t challenged him yet, but it’s probably coming at some point,” Henrik Lundqvist, 41, told The Post of a future match-up against retired Giants quarterback Eli Manning.

The New York greats dished on their tennis obsessions in the inaugural episode of Club30, a new podcast from Lundqvist co-hosted by his best friend, entrepreneur Jay Liddell.

In the episode, which drops Wednesday, the athletes dive into sibling rivalries, life after the pros and quenching their thirst for competition with tennis. Manning, 42, picked up the sport about three years ago and prefers to play singles.

“I’ve played doubles but I feel like my wife [Abby] is yelling at me [that] I’m not in the right spot,” he told the legendary Rangers goaltender.

Henrik Lundqvist and his co-host Jay Liddell kick off their new podcast Club30 with Eli Manning as their first guest.

“The first year we were playing…mixed doubles, and any ball in the air I was, like, trying to kill everything. I was bumping her out of the way so I could spike it, so she was looking at me like, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ ” Manning said.

He feels more confident in his tennis ability compared to his big brother Peyton, who is also his sidekick on Monday Night Football’s “Manningcast.”

“I’ve played him in pickleball. I don’t think he’d be good at tennis. He’s like a big lug,” Manning quipped.

Things are more fiery between Lundqvist and his twin brother Joel, who played for the Dallas Stars.

“I’ve smashed a lot of tennis rackets in my day playing my brother, but I would say I can beat him today,” Lundqvist said on the podcast.

“The King” told The Post that Manning was a perfect guest to kick things off.


The New York Post sendoff to Lundqvist who would retire a year later.
The New York Post sendoff to Lundqvist who would retire a year later.
rico

“He’s so nice and could talk for hours. We didn’t get to know each other during our careers, but the last couple of years, we’ve run into each other at different events,” said Lundqvist, who will host other high-profile guests across sports, media and business for weekly chats.

“A lot of these people are transitioning from one thing to another. That’s where I am in my own life right now,” said Lundqvist, who retired in 2021 but still works for MSG in broadcasting and as an ambassador on the business and entertainment side.

The Swede is still navigating his new life and work schedule, which offers much more flexibility than his playing days. That includes spending more time with his wife Therese and their two daughters.

“Now I can pick up and drop off at school and gymnastics. We can travel during winter breaks … We’re watching ‘Modern Family.’ They love that show.”

And Lundqvist can take the girls skiing after his own 20-year hiatus from the slopes.

“I was really excited to get back to that. I went to Deer Valley [and] Aspen and I just came back from Verbier in Switzerland. There’s something so peaceful about being on a mountain. I keep telling people it’s good for your soul.”

One thing that hasn’t changed is his diet.


Lundqvist playing for the New York Rangers.
Lundqvist retired in 2021 but he still works for MSG.
Paul J. Bereswill

“I ate cheeseburgers all the time, and I still do,” said Lundqvist, adding that 4 Charles Prime, Au Cheval and Hillstone are his go-to spots in the city.

When it comes to his old team, he takes a more hands-off approach, especially with his successor, goalie Igor Shesterkin.

“Igor with the rest of the team, I see them there but a big part of me doesn’t want to be in their way. It’s fun to see them here and there and talk about their season. But they have their support team…I’m more on the outside, and I appreciate what they’re doing as a team.”

But he has some thoughts on their playoff prospects.

“The East is so strong, even the first round if they face the Devils it will be a good series,” said Lundqvist, adding that the Rangers are firing on all cylinders, including strong goaltending, defense and offense.

“I think it will be a great spring.”



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