NEW DELHI: Tennis is set to bid farewell to an era as Rafael Nadal prepares to conclude his illustrious, record-breaking career spanning nearly 23 years. The legendary player will mark his emotional goodbye during the Davis Cup quarter-final tie against the Netherlands in Malaga.
Nadal established himself as a dominant force in tennis, excelling not only on clay courts but across all surfaces, amassing 22 Grand Slam titles. His composed and modest personality, both during matches and in public life, earned him admiration from competitors and countless supporters.
His remarkable capacity to secure victories in lengthy matches showcased his resilience, whilst his genuine passion for the sport and competition remained evident. He consistently displayed graceful conduct, whether celebrating victories or accepting defeats.
Born in June 1986 on the island of Mallorca, Nadal was raised in a close-knit family. His father, Sebastian, was a businessman, while his mother, Ana, dedicated herself to raising their children.
Nadal’s athletic lineage included his uncle, Miguel Ángel Nadal, a professional footballer for Barcelona, although young Rafa grew up supporting Real Madrid.
As a child in Manacor, Nadal balanced his love for football with tennis, playing on the streets before ultimately committing to the latter. Under the guidance of his uncle Toni Nadal, who coached him from 2005 to 2017, Nadal developed into one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Nadal turned professional at just 14 and made his Wimbledon debut in 2003 at the age of 17.
By 18, he was already a Davis Cup champion, contributing a vital singles victory in the final for Spain.
Nadal claimed his first Grand Slam title in 2005, winning the French Open on his debut, just two days after his 19th birthday. Seventeen years later, he secured his 14th Roland Garros title, capping an extraordinary career on clay.
Despite competing in the same era as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, his fellow members of the legendary “Big Three,” Nadal amassed 92 career titles, including two Olympic gold medals, cementing his place among the greatest in tennis history.