Rafael Nadal

Guide Note

Rafael Nadal is a professional tennis player. As of 2008, Nadal is ranked number two in the world, behind Roger Federer. On July 6, 2008, Nadal won his first Wimbledon tournament defeating Roger Federer in five sets, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7

Fast Facts

1. Born: June 3, 1986
2. Birth place: Manacor, Mallorca
3. Plays left-handed
4. Turned Pro in 2001
5. Nickname: Rafa
6. Won the 2008 Wimbledon tournament
7. Three time French Open Champion (2005, 2006, 2007)
8. Singles record 49 - 7
9. Has 28 career titles
10. Coach: Toni Nadel
11. Racquet of choice: Babolat
12. Considered one of the best clay court players¹

Early Career

Known for his heavy topspin, Rafael Nadal was introduced to tennis at the age of three by his uncle and now coach, Toni Nadel. Rather than train at the Spanish tennis federation, Nadal decided to remain at home and train with his uncle and attend regular school. At the age of eight, Nadal won the Under-12 Title of Majorca, but it wasn't until Nadal turned twelve that he decided to pursue tennis as a career. In 2003, Nadal became the youngest player to win two rounds at Wimbledon since Boris Becker.²

Quotes

"The only way of finding a solution is to fight back, to move, to run, and to control that pressure."-Rafael Nadal²