10 most significant records created by Rafael Nadal in the decade that was 2010-2019

Modified Dec 28, 2019 15:21 GMT

#3 First player to win 8 Grand Slam titles at a tournament

Nadal celebrates his 8th French Open title in 2013

Making his 9th appearance at the claycourt Major in 2013, Nadal survived a break deficit in the fifth set before overwhelming Novak Djokovic in a pulsating last-4 clash to reach his 8th title match on the Parisian terre battue.

In an all-Spanish final against his good friend and compatriot David Ferrer, Nadal's straight-sets win made him the first player in the Open Era to win 8 Grand Slam titles at a tournament.

Six seasons later, Nadal would swell his title tally at the claycourt Major to a staggering 12.

#4 First player to win a Grand Slam title in 10 consecutive seasons

Nadal lifted his 9th French Open title in 2014

With his 9th triumph at the French Open in 2014, Nadal became the first player to win a Grand Slam title in 10 consecutive seasons.

The Spaniard won a title apiece from 2005-07, 2 in 2008, 1 in 2009, 3 in 2010, 1 in 2011, 1 in 2012, 2 in 2013 and 1 in 2014.

Nadal's record streak came to an end following his first season without a Grand Slam title in 2015, where he suffered quarterfinal exits at both the Australian Open and at the French Open, a second round exit at Wimbledon and a third round exit at the US Open.

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Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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Edited by Musab Abid