Rafael Nadal Parera (born 3 June 1986) is a retired Spanish professional tennis player. He held the world No. 1 ranking in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for a total of 209 weeks and finished as the year-end No. 1 five times. Nadal’s illustrious career includes 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, with a record 14 French Open victories.
He has won 92 ATP singles titles, including 36 Masters titles and an Olympic gold medal, with 63 of these wins occurring on clay courts. Nadal is one of only three men to have achieved the career Golden Slam in singles, and his 81 consecutive victories on clay courts stand as the longest single-surface win streak in the Open Era.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Rafael Nadal Parera |
| Country (Sports) | Spain |
| Residence | Manacor, Mallorca, Spain |
| Born | 3 June 1986 (age 38), Manacor, Mallorca, Spain |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Turned Pro | 2001 |
| Retired | 19-Nov-24 |
| Plays | Left-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Prize Money | US $134,946,100 (2nd all-time leader in earnings) |
| Official Website | rafaelnadal.com |
| Career Record | 1080–228 (82.6%) |
| Career Titles | 92 (5th in the Open Era) |
| Highest Ranking | No. 1 (18 August 2008) |
| Australian Open | W (2009, 2022) |
| French Open | W (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022) |
| Wimbledon | W (2008, 2010) |
| US Open | W (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019) |
| Tour Finals | F (2010, 2013) |
| Olympic Games | W (2008) |
| Career Record | 142–77 (64.8%) |
| Highest Ranking | No. 26 (8 August 2005) |
| Australian Open | 3R (2004, 2005) |
| Wimbledon | 2R (2005) |
| US Open | SF (2004) |
For nearly two decades, Nadal was a dominant figure in men’s tennis, alongside contemporaries Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, collectively known as the “Big Three.” Early in his career, Nadal became one of the most successful teenagers in ATP Tour history, reaching No. 2 in the world and amassing 16 titles before turning 20. This period included his first French Open win and six Masters titles, with four on clay. Nadal’s rise to world No. 1 came in 2008 after defeating Federer in a historic Wimbledon final, marking his first major title off clay. He added to his achievements with an Olympic singles gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Rafael Nadal’s career is marked by significant milestones. After defeating Djokovic in the 2010 US Open final, he became the youngest man in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam at 24 and the first to win majors on three different surfaces in a single year. Despite injuries in subsequent seasons, Nadal made a strong comeback in 2013, reaching 14 finals and winning two majors and five Masters events, including a sweep of the US Open Series.
He continued to dominate at the French Open, securing six more titles, along with two US Open titles and an Australian Open title. Nadal also won an Olympic doubles gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics with Marc López. He surpassed the Grand Slam singles titles record held jointly with Djokovic and Federer by winning the 2022 Australian Open, becoming one of only four men to complete the double Career Grand Slam in singles. Nadal retired from professional tennis in November 2024 after representing Spain in the Davis Cup Finals.
Nadal, a left-handed player, is renowned for his powerful forehand with heavy topspin. He frequently ranked among the leaders in return games, return points, and break points won on the ATP tour. His physical and mental resilience on the court made him one of the toughest competitors in tennis history.
Early Life of Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal Parera was born on June 3, 1986, in Manacor, a picturesque town on the island of Mallorca, part of Spain’s Balearic Islands. His parents, Ana María Parera Femenías and Sebastián Nadal Homar, provided a nurturing environment for Rafael and his younger sister, María Isabel. His father, a successful businessman, owns an insurance company, a glass and window company, and a restaurant, while his mother previously ran a perfume shop before dedicating herself to raising their children.
Nadal’s sports lineage includes his uncle, Miguel Ángel Nadal, a former professional footballer who played for RCD Mallorca, FC Barcelona, and the Spanish national team. As a child, Rafael idolized Brazilian footballer Ronaldo, and through his uncle, he was granted the rare opportunity to visit the Barcelona team dressing room and take a photo with the football legend.
It was another uncle, Toni Nadal, who introduced Rafael to tennis at the age of three. Toni, a tennis coach, saw potential in his young nephew from the beginning. Despite finding tennis less exciting compared to football, which he enjoyed playing with friends on the streets of Manacor, Rafael began playing more regularly by the age of five. Toni quickly recognized Rafael’s talent and passion, and their practice sessions became more intense.
Toni’s coaching style was demanding. He often focused his attention on Rafael during group training sessions, singling him out for criticism and assigning him additional tasks like picking up balls and sweeping the courts. This rigorous approach occasionally left young Rafael frustrated and in tears, leading to conversations with his parents about the training regime. Despite the challenges, the family decided that continuing with Toni’s coaching was in Rafael’s best interest.
By the age of eight, Rafael had won an under-12 regional tennis championship, displaying his promise as a dual-sport athlete, excelling in both tennis and football. This victory motivated Toni to intensify Rafael’s training. Recognizing the advantage of playing left-handed on the tennis court, Toni worked on transitioning Rafael from his natural two-handed forehand to playing left-handed. This change was initially difficult for Rafael, but through persistent practice, he gradually adapted, practicing left-handed strokes for 20 minutes a day before fully making the switch.
Rafael Nadal’s early life and formative years laid the foundation for his extraordinary career in tennis. His family’s support, Toni’s demanding coaching, and his own dedication and resilience were key elements that propelled him to become one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Family and children
In June 2009, reports surfaced that Rafael Nadal’s parents, Ana María and Sebastián, had separated, following weeks of speculation regarding his struggles on the court. Nadal later acknowledged, “My parents’ divorce made an important change in my life. It affected me. After that, I couldn’t play Wimbledon; it was tough. For one month, I was outside the world.”
Nadal met his future wife, María Francisca (Mery) Perelló Pascual, through his younger sister, María Isabel. They began dating in 2005 when he was 19 and she was 17, and publicly formalized their relationship in 2007. Their engagement was announced in January 2019. The couple married in October 2019 at La Fortaleza castle in Port de Pollença, Majorca, in a ceremony attended by 350 guests. On October 8, 2022, they welcomed their first child, a son named Rafael. Nadal had previously mentioned not starting a family early and expressed a desire to have children in the future, given the unpredictability of his tennis career.
Mery Perelló initially worked as a sports marketer in London but later chose to support Nadal’s growing career by managing his off-court business. She now serves as the director of Fundación Rafa Nadal. Due to her reserved nature and susceptibility to stress, Perelló rarely attends Nadal’s matches. For instance, during the 2021 Italian Open final, she expressed concern when Nadal took a bad fall. Perelló believes that staying away from the tours helps maintain their relationship, stating, “It would asphyxiate me. And then he would have to be worrying about me.”
Career
***1997–2000: Juniors
Rafael Nadal achieved remarkable success early in his career, securing victories in the Spanish junior championships in 1997 and 1998 by defeating Ricardo Villacorta and Marcel Granollers, respectively. In 1998, Nadal also claimed the Spanish championship in doubles alongside his close friend, Tomeu Salvá, triumphing over Diáz and Granollers in the final. At the age of 12, Nadal made an impressive run to the final of the U14 Spanish championship, a record-setting feat, though he lost to Juan Sanchez de Luna in straight sets.
In late 1998, Nadal clinched the U12 Junior Masters title in Stuttgart, outplaying future world No. 5 Kevin Anderson in the final. Earlier that year, in February, he won the Open Super 12 in Auray, often regarded as the unofficial world championship for U12 players, by defeating the 1997 winner Jamie Murray in the final. This victory marked Nadal’s first competition outside of Spain. Despite being torn between football and tennis, influenced by his uncle Miguel Ángel’s preparations for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Nadal’s triumph in Auray solidified his decision to pursue a tennis career.
In 1999, Nadal excelled on the U14 circuit of the ETA Junior Tour (now the Tennis Europe Junior Tour), winning the prestigious Tim Essonne tournament and finishing the year ranked No. 69. The following year, he dominated the U14 circuit, capturing titles at Les Petits As in Tarbes by defeating local favorite Julien Gely, and the European Junior Masters in Prato. On his 14th birthday, Nadal won the Sport Goofy Trophy in Getxo, defeating Granollers in the final. In July 2000, Nadal claimed the U14 Spanish championships, beating his friend and training partner Tomeu Salvá in the final, despite playing with a broken finger on his left hand.
As part of the Spanish national team, Nadal won the ITF World Junior Championship for players under 14 in 2000, securing victories in both singles and doubles (paired with Marcel Granollers) in a 3–0 win over Russia. By the end of 2000, Nadal was ranked No. 5 in the ETA rankings for U14s.
Nadal’s early achievements in the Spanish junior circuit, marked by multiple age group titles, earned him a tennis scholarship in Barcelona. However, his family decided against relocating him to Barcelona for further training, fearing it would disrupt his education. His uncle, Toni Nadal, believed that Nadal could achieve success from their home base. At that time, Nadal was already practicing three times a week with his childhood idol and future mentor, Carlos Moyá, a former World No. 1 from Mallorca. This decision to stay home limited financial support from the federation, but Nadal’s father stepped in to cover the costs, enabling Nadal to continue his training and development in Mallorca.
Rivalries
*****Nadal vs. Federer*****
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal competed against each other from 2004 to 2019, forming a rivalry that significantly defined their careers. They held the top two spots on the ATP Tour rankings from July 2005 to August 2009, and again from September 2017 to October 2018. They are the only pair to be consistently ranked in the Top 2 for four consecutive years and to finish six consecutive calendar years in the top two positions.
**Nadal and Federer faced off 40 times, with Nadal leading 24-16 overall and 10-4 in Grand Slam matches. Nadal has a dominant record on clay (14-2) and outdoor hard courts (8-6), while Federer leads on indoor hard courts (5-1) and grass (3-1).
They played 24 matches in tournament finals, including nine major finals, tying the Djokovic-Nadal record. From 2006 to 2008, they met in every French Open and Wimbledon final, as well as in the finals of the 2009 Australian Open, 2011 French Open, and 2017 Australian Open. Nadal won six of these nine finals. Notably, the 2008 Wimbledon final is often hailed as the greatest tennis match ever. Nadal is the only player to have defeated Federer in the finals of all three major surfaces: grass, hard court, and clay.
*****Nadal vs. Djokovic*****
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal met a record 60 times, the most encounters between any pair in the Open Era. Nadal leads 11-7 at Grand Slam events but trails Djokovic 29-31 overall. They played a record 18 Grand Slam matches, including nine Grand Slam finals, tying the Nadal-Federer record. Nadal holds the advantage on clay (20-9), while Djokovic leads on hard courts (20-7), and they are tied 2-2 on grass.
In 2009, their rivalry was recognized as the third greatest of the previous decade by ATPworldtour.com Djokovic is one of only two players, along with Federer, to have at least ten match wins against Nadal. He is also the only player to have defeated Nadal seven consecutive times, a feat he achieved twice. They competed in a record 14 ATP Masters finals.
Their first Grand Slam final was at the 2010 US Open, where Nadal triumphed over Djokovic in four sets, completing his career Grand Slam. From 2011 to 2012, they contested four consecutive major finals, with Djokovic winning the first three at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open, the latter being the longest Grand Slam final in history at 5 hours and 53 minutes. This match remains the longest for both Nadal and Djokovic and is the only time Nadal lost a major final after winning the first set.
In 2013, Djokovic defeated Nadal in straight sets in the Monte Carlo final, ending Nadal’s record run of eight consecutive titles there. However, Nadal avenged this loss in an epic five-set semifinal at the French Open. Later that year, Nadal defeated Djokovic in the US Open final to complete the Summer Slam.
Many of their encounters are regarded as some of the greatest matches in tennis history by analysts, including the 2009 Madrid Masters semifinal, the 2011 Miami Masters final, the 2012 Australian Open final, the 2013 French Open semifinal, the 2018 Wimbledon semifinal, and the 2021 French Open semifinal.
Legacy
Rafael Nadal has secured the second-most major men’s singles titles (22) and Big titles (59) in tennis history. He maintained a spot in the ATP Top 10 rankings consecutively from April 2005 to March 2023, spanning a record 912 weeks. Nadal holds the most clay court titles in the Open Era (63), including a record 14 French Open titles, 12 Barcelona Open titles, 11 Monte-Carlo Masters titles, and 10 Italian Open titles. His 14 French Open titles are a record at any single tournament.
He also holds the records for the longest single-surface win streak in matches (81 on clay) and in sets (50 on clay) in the Open Era. Nadal has set numerous other records, including the most majors won without losing a set (4), the most match wins at a single major (112 at the French Open), and the highest match-winning percentage at clay court majors (97.4%). His dominance on clay has earned him the title of “King of Clay,” and he is widely regarded as the greatest clay-court player in history. Many also consider Nadal the greatest player in tennis history due to his record and evolution into an all-court champion.
Rafael Nadal played a key role in securing four Davis Cup titles for Spain and won two Olympic gold medals. He is one of three men, alongside Agassi and Djokovic, to have achieved a Career Golden Slam by winning the Olympic gold medal and all four majors in singles during his career. Nadal is also the only male player to complete the Career Grand Slam and win Olympic gold in both singles and doubles. He is one of four men, along with Roy Emerson, Rod Laver, and Djokovic, to complete the double Career Grand Slam in singles.
Rafael Nadal has received numerous accolades throughout his career. He was named the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year in 2011 and 2021, and for winning three majors in 2010, he was named the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year. He is an honorary recipient of the Grand Cross of Royal Order of Sports Merit, Grand Cross of Order of the Second of May, Grand Cross of Naval Merit, Princess of Asturias Award, and Medal of the City of Paris. Nadal was ranked among the world’s highest-paid athletes by Forbes in 2014 and was listed among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2022.
In 2014, former tennis player and eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi named Nadal the greatest of all time for dealing with Federer, Djokovic, and Murray during a golden age of tennis. In 2019, former world No. 1 and 1995 French Open champion Thomas Muster declared Nadal the best clay-court player ever. Former world No. 1 Carlos Moyá stated in 2010 that Nadal was “one of the greatest ever” and on his way to potentially becoming the greatest. Former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero praised Nadal’s ability to adapt to any match situation.
Nadal’s career rivals also respect him; Novak Djokovic has said their encounters have made him the player he is, and Roger Federer expressed utmost respect for Nadal as both a person and champion, acknowledging their rivalry as a factor in pushing each other to become better players.
Nadal played an instrumental role in the revival of tennis, ushering in the Golden Age of the sport, which saw increased interest and higher revenues globally. The Djokovic–Nadal and Federer–Nadal rivalries are widely considered among the greatest in sports history by players, coaches, and pundits alike.
Player profile
****Playing style
Rafael Nadal plays an aggressive, behind-the-baseline game characterized by heavy topspin groundstrokes, consistency, fast footwork, and excellent court coverage, making him a formidable counterpuncher. Known for his athleticism and speed, Nadal excels at defending and hitting on the run, often turning defensive positions into winning plays. His adept use of dropshots complements his heavy topspin, which pushes opponents to the back of the court.
Nadal’s forehand, utilizing a semi-western grip with a distinctive “lasso-whip” follow-through, generates more topspin than most of his peers. This technique was analyzed by tennis researcher John Yandell, who noted that Nadal’s forehand spins at an average of 3,200 revolutions per minute, with some shots reaching as high as 4,900 RPM, significantly more than the spin rates of Sampras and Agassi.
Though Rafael Nadal’s shots may land short of the baseline, the high bounce they achieve negates the usual advantage an opponent would gain from a short ball. His forehand, while known for its topspin, can also be hit deep and flat for clean winners. Despite this versatility, it was the sheer power of his groundstrokes that initially caught the public’s attention.
Rafael Nadal’s serve was once seen as a weakness, but improvements since 2005 in his first-serve points won and break points saved have made him a consistent contender on faster surfaces. Before the 2010 US Open, he adjusted his serve technique, enhancing his serve speed by about 10 mph and peaking at 135 mph, which helped him win more free points. Although his serve speed dropped afterward, analysts praised his serve’s increased effectiveness from 2019 onwards.
Renowned as a clay court specialist with 14 French Open titles, 12 Barcelona titles, 11 Monte Carlo titles, and 10 Rome titles, Nadal’s success on other surfaces has also been noteworthy. He has held simultaneous Grand Slam titles on grass, hard courts, and clay, won ten Masters titles on hard courts, and earned an Olympic gold medal on hard courts. Despite his hard court success, Nadal has highlighted the physical toll of playing extensively on hard courts and called for a reevaluation of the tour schedule to allow more rest.
Concerns about Nadal’s longevity due to his physical playing style have been proven wrong. Former world No. 1 Pete Sampras once questioned how long Nadal’s body could endure the intense effort he puts into every point. However, Nadal’s resilience in coming back from injuries and playing through pain has become one of his most admired traits in the sport.
****Coaching and personal team
Rafael Nadal’s first and most influential coach was his uncle Toni Nadal, who coached him from 1990 to 2017, from the age of 4 to 31. Despite not possessing any big shots himself, Toni focused on developing Nadal’s technical and mental game, turning his forehand into a powerful weapon.
At age 12, Nadal began training at the Balearic Islands training center, traveling 50 kilometers from Manacor to Palma three times a week. Toni Colom also coached him during this period, especially for Futures tournaments between 1999 and 2003.
Rafael Nadal remained loyal to his team, rarely making changes. His team includes family members and professionals he considers family, such as his childhood instructor Joan Forcades and doctor Ángel Ruiz Cotorro, who has been crucial in managing his injuries. Nadal’s team also includes physiotherapist Rafael Maymó, who has been with him since 2006, providing physical and psychological support.
In 2005, Nadal signed with agent Carlo Costa, and in 2006, he hired Benito Pérez Barbadillo as his communications director. Under his new coach Carlos Moyá, signed in December 2016, Nadal adopted a more offensive approach, improving his serve and incorporating serve-and-volley tactics.
Nadal continues to work with Moyá as his head coach and Francisco Roig, who joined his team in 2005 and occasionally acts as an alternate coach. Together, they have crafted a winning formula that has led Nadal to numerous titles and a lasting legacy in tennis.
****Off the court
Rafael Nadal’s autobiography, **Rafa, co-written with John Carlin, was published in August 2011.
In February 2010, Nadal appeared in the music video for Shakira’s song “Gypsy,” which was filmed in Barcelona. Both denied any romantic involvement, with Shakira explaining her choice by highlighting Nadal’s dedication to his career from a young age.
In 2016, Nadal made a cameo in the music video for RedOne’s “Don’t You Need Somebody.” He was also featured in a 2018 advertisement for the tennis video game Mario Tennis Aces.
Nadal appears in the 2024 documentary Federer: Twelve Final Days, which chronicles Roger Federer’s final tournament before retirement, the 2022 Laver Cup.
Involvement in Other Sports
Rafael Nadal is a passionate football fan, supporting RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid CF. He has said that his family originally supported Real Madrid, but they backed Barcelona while his uncle, Miguel Ángel Nadal, played for the team. After his uncle left Barcelona, they returned to supporting Real Madrid. Nadal’s uncle Toni has described him as a “mad fan of Real Madrid,” and Nadal holds French footballer Zinedine Zidane in high regard. In 2005, Zidane presented Nadal with the Coupe des Mousquetaires and called him “a phenomenon.”
Rafael Nadal has participated in several charity sports events, showcasing his football skills. In December 2007, during the “Friends of Iker v Friends of Rafa” event, Nadal’s team won a penalty shootout after a tie in combined football and tennis match scores. The following year, Nadal and Iker Casillas hosted a similar event featuring an indoor football match, tennis match, and go-kart race.
In July 2010, Rafael Nadal became a shareholder of RCD Mallorca, aiming to help the club overcome its debts. Though he owns 10 percent of the club, he declined the offer to become vice president. Nadal criticized UEFA for expelling Mallorca from the UEFA Europa League due to financial issues, arguing that most clubs are in debt.
Nadal is a fervent supporter of the Spanish national team and was one of six people not affiliated with the team allowed into the locker room after Spain’s 2010 FIFA World Cup victory. He has made several honorary kick-offs, including at Parc des Princes, the Maracanã Stadium, and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where he received a standing ovation from Real Madrid supporters and Carlos Alcaraz.
In addition to tennis and football, Nadal enjoys playing golf and poker. In October 2020, he competed in the professional-level Balearic Golf Championship and earned a World Amateur Golf Ranking. Nadal approaches golf with intense determination, stating he is “decidedly unfriendly during a golf game, from the first hole to the last.”
