Born on June 3, 1986, in Manacor, Spain, Rafael Nadal is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Nadal has won 92 ATP singles titles in his career, including 36 Masters titles and 22 Grand Slams. His 22 Grand Slam titles include 14 French Open, four US Open, two Australian Open, and two Wimbledon.
The Spaniard has been ranked World No. 1 for 209 weeks and has finished as the year-end World No. 1 five times. His 81-match winning streak on clay is the longest single-surface win streak in the Open Era. Before turning 20, he won 16 ATP singles titles, including the French Open and six Masters titles, and became the World No. 2. Nadal defeated Roger Federer in a historic Wimbledon final in 2008, his first Grand Slam title outside the French Open. With the victory, he became world No. 1 for the first time.
On October 10, 2024, Nadal shared an emotional video on his social media handle announcing his retirement from professional tennis. In the video, he said he will be competing for the one last time at the 2024 Davis Cup Final. During his final encounter at the Davis Cup, he lost to Netherlands's Botic van de Zandschulp by 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinals.
He lost to Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic at the 6 Kings Slam held in Riyadh. In his final speech, he thanked tennis fans for their love and support and shared that he is not tired of playing tennis; he must accept that his body no longer wants to play. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his tennis career.
Rafael Nadal's Olympic medals
The Spaniard has won two Olympic gold medals in his career, one in singles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and one in doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Olympic gold medal in singles - 2008 Beijing Olympics
Rafael Nadal won his first Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in singles. During the event, he defeated Novak Djokovic in the semifinals and Fernando Gonzalez in the final.
Olympic gold medal in doubles - 2016 Rio Olympics
Nadal won his second Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics in doubles with Marc Lopez. Nadal and Lopez defeated Romania's Florin Mergea and Horia Tecau in the final to secure the gold medals.
FAQ's on Rafael Nadal's Olympic medals
A. Yes, Nadal has won two Olympic gold medals - one in singles and one in doubles.
A. Nadal has won 92 ATP singles titles in his career.
A. Nadal won his first Grand Slam title just two days after his 19th birthday.
A. Nadal is called the 'King of Roland Garros' and 'King of Clay'.
A. Nadal became World No. 1 at the age of 22.
A. Rafael Nadal announced his retirement on October 10, 2024, stating that he will play his last match at the 2024 Davis Cup for Spain.
