Born in Mallorca, Spain, Rafael Nadal grew up in a sports-loving family, guided by his uncle Toni Nadal to become a tennis prodigy
In December 2004, Nadal became the youngest player to win a singles game in a Davis Cup final and helped Spain win the title that year.
In 2005, Nadal beat Mariano Puerta in the French Open final to lift his maiden Grand Slam title. Thereafter, with 14 French Open titles, Nadal cemented his legacy as the undisputed King of Clay.
Nadal’s epic rivalry with Roger Federer defined a golden era of tennis. After losing consecutive Wimbledon finals in 2006 and 2007 to Roger Federer, Nadal finally bettered his rival in ‘one of the greatest Grand Slam finals ever played’ in 2008.
Nadal's achievements include Olympic Gold in 2008 and leading Spain to multiple Davis Cup victories.
Despite injuries, Nadal’s resilience led to unforgettable comebacks, including his 21st Grand Slam title in 2022.
In 2024, Nadal retired as a legend, remembered for his passion, perseverance, and sportsmanship.