Rafael Nadal

Rafael "Rafa" Nadal Parera,<ref group="lower-alpha">{{#invoke:IPA|main}}; {{#invoke:IPA|main}}<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref></ref> 1st Marquess of Llevant de Mallorca (born 3 June 1986), is a Spanish former professional tennis player. He was ranked as the world No. 1 in men's singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for 209 weeks, and finished as the year-end No. 1 five times. Nadal won 92 ATP Tour singles titles, with 22 major titles—including a record 14 French Open titles—as well as 36 Masters titles and an Olympic gold medal. Nadal is one of three men to complete the career Golden Slam in singles.<ref group="lower-alpha">The others being Andre Agassi and Novak Djokovic.</ref> His 81 consecutive wins on clay constitute the longest single-surface win streak in the Open Era.

For nearly two decades, Nadal was a leading figure in men's tennis, alongside 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 winning 16 titles before turning 20, including his first major title at the 2005 French Open. Nadal became the world No. 1 for the first time in 2008 after defeating Federer in an historic Wimbledon final, his first major championship off clay. He followed with an Olympic singles gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. By defeating Djokovic in the 2010 US Open final, Nadal became the youngest man in the Open Era to achieve the career Grand Slam at 24, and the first man to win majors on three different surfaces in the same year.

Nadal won major singles titles in 10 consecutive years from 2005 to 2014, and again in a four-year span from 2017 to 2020. He also won 11 doubles titles during his career, including an Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Nadal surpassed his joint-record with Djokovic and Federer for the most Grand Slam men's singles titles at the 2022 Australian Open, and became one of four men in history to complete the double career Grand Slam in singles. Nadal retired from the sport after playing for Spain in the 2024 Davis Cup Finals.

As a left-handed player, one of Nadal's main strengths was his forehand, delivered with heavy topspin. He frequently ranked among the tour leaders in return games, return points, and break points won. His game was especially well-suited for clay courts, on which came 63 of his 92 singles titles. Nadal won the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award five times and was the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year in 2011 and 2021. Time named Nadal one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2022. Representing Spain, he won two Olympic gold medals, and led the nation to five Davis Cup titles. Nadal has also opened a tennis academy in Mallorca, and is an active philanthropist. Template:TOC limit

Early life

Rafael Nadal Parera was born on 3 June 1986 in Manacor on the island of Mallorca, Spain, to Ana María Parera Femenías and Sebastián Nadal Homar.<ref name=Biograph>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal |title=Rafael Nadal – Biography, Titles, & Facts |website=britannica.com |date=25 October 2023 |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=16 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416084303/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal |url-status=live }}</ref> His father is a businessman who owns an insurance company, a glass and window company, and a restaurant. His mother owned a perfume shop but gave it up to raise Nadal and his younger sister, María Isabel.<ref name=Making1>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1234812-wimbledon-2012-rafael-nadal-the-making-of-a-champion-part-one |title=Rafael Nadal: The Making of a Champion, Part 1 |website=bleacherreport.com |date=25 June 2012 |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110222255/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1234812-wimbledon-2012-rafael-nadal-the-making-of-a-champion-part-one |url-status=live }}</ref> One of his uncles, Miguel Ángel Nadal, is a retired professional footballer who played for RCD Mallorca, FC Barcelona, and the Spanish national team.<ref name="times">{{#invoke:Cite|news|first=Christopher |last=Clarey |title=Rafael Nadal, Barely 19, He's Got Game, Looks and Remarkably Good Manners |date=6 June 2005 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/06/sports/tennis/06nadal.html |access-date=5 April 2010 | archive-date=29 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029083648/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/06/sports/tennis/06nadal.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As a child, he idolized Ronaldo, and was given access through his uncle to the Barcelona team dressing room to have a photo taken with the Brazilian.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Planet football hails O Fenômeno |url=https://www.fifa.com/news/y=2011/m=2/news=planet-football-hails-fenomeno-1388593.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925121243/http://www.fifa.com/news/y=2011/m=2/news=planet-football-hails-fenomeno-1388593.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 September 2015 |access-date=3 October 2018 |agency=FIFA.com}}</ref> Another uncle, tennis coach Toni Nadal, introduced him to tennis when he was three years old.<ref name="Rajaraman">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.insidetennis.com/archive/0608_french_open_nadal.html%7Cfirst=Aarthi%7Clast=Rajaraman%7Ctitle=At Home with Humble yet Ambitious Nadal|date=1 June 2008|work=Inside Tennis|access-date=5 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609141023/http://www.insidetennis.com/archive/0608_french_open_nadal.html%7Carchive-date=9 June 2010}}</ref>

Nadal started to play tennis at the Manacor Tennis Club, where Toni worked as a coach, hitting his first few shots with his uncle.<ref name=Making1/><ref name="Rajaraman" /> At this stage Nadal's passion was football, which he often played on the streets of Manacor with his friends.<ref name=Making1/>Template:Sfn He began to play tennis more regularly when he was five. Toni quickly realized that his young nephew had both the passion and talent to be a serious player.<ref name="Rajaraman" /> Nadal often played tennis in a group, but Toni singled him out during sessions, shouting at him instead of the other kids, and making him pick up the balls and sweep the courts.<ref name=Making1/> In his 2011 autobiography, he admitted fearing Toni and dreading solo practice sessions with him.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/rafaelnadal/8707878/Rafael-Nadal-Uncle-Toni-terrified-me-but-without-him-Id-be-nothing.html |title=Rafael Nadal: Uncle Toni terrified me but without him I would be nothing |website=Telegraph.co.uk |date=18 August 2011 |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404032106/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/rafaelnadal/8707878/Rafael-Nadal-Uncle-Toni-terrified-me-but-without-him-Id-be-nothing.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal admitted he sometimes returned home from tennis lessons crying.<ref name=scroll>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://scroll.in/field/995837/great-beginnings-the-big-events-that-helped-shape-rafael-nadals-early-genius |title=Great beginnings: The big events that helped shape Rafael Nadal's early genius |website=scroll.in |date=28 May 2021 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=11 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111005911/https://scroll.in/field/995837/great-beginnings-the-big-events-that-helped-shape-rafael-nadals-early-genius |url-status=live }}</ref>

At age 8, Nadal won an under-12 regional tennis championship while also being a promising football player.<ref name=Making1/><ref name="timesonline">{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/article708386.ece%7Ctitle=The Big Interview: Rafael Nadal|work=The Sunday Times|date=23 April 2006|first=Alison|last=Kervin|access-date=5 April 2010|archive-date=7 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907070717/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/article708386.ece%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> This victory inspired Toni to train Nadal more intensively. After studying Nadal's two-handed forehand, Toni encouraged him to play left-handed for a natural advantage on the tennis court.<ref name="timesonline" /><ref name="Bio" /> The transition was purportedly difficult for Nadal, but he was coached through the change by his uncle, who instructed him to try it for 20 minutes per day before gradually increasing that time until he was fully adjusted.<ref name=Making1/>

Career

1997–2000: Juniors

Nadal won the Spanish junior championships in 1997 and 1998, beating Ricardo Villacorta and Marcel Granollers respectively.<ref name=conoce>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.mediavida.com/foro/deportes/rafa-nadal-casi-nadie-conoce-436395 |title=Rafa Nadal: lo que casi nadie conoce |language=es |website=www.mediavida.com |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=12 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912101840/http://www.mediavida.com/foro/deportes/rafa-nadal-casi-nadie-conoce-436395 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.abc.es/local-alicante/20130627/abci-alicante-tenis-nadal-201306271912.html |title=El torneo que ganó Nadal con 11 años |language=es |website=www.abc.es |date=27 June 2013 |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=4 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104172159/http://www.abc.es/local-alicante/20130627/abci-alicante-tenis-nadal-201306271912.html? |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1998 Nadal reached the final of the U14 Spanish championship at the age of 12, a feat that remains unmatched, losing to Juan Sanchez de Luna in straight sets.<ref name=conoce/><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.granadadigital.es/arrebatarle-titulo-rafa-nadal-logro-importante-admite-tenista-jose-antonio-sanchez-luna-granada-loja-deportes/ |title="Arrebatarle el título a Nadal fue un logro importante", admite José Sánchez de Luna |language=es |website=www.granadadigital.es |date=21 December 2020 |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=22 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422163014/https://www.granadadigital.es/arrebatarle-titulo-rafa-nadal-logro-importante-admite-tenista-jose-antonio-sanchez-luna-granada-loja-deportes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In late 1998, Nadal won the season-ending U12 Junior Masters at Stuttgart, beating future world No. 5 Kevin Anderson in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.eurosport.fr/tennis/us-open/2017/anderson-et-nadal-une-histoire-qui-dure-depuis-1998_sto6327902/story.shtml |title=Anderson and Nadal, a story that has lasted since 1998 |website=www.eurosport.fr |date=10 September 2017 |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=13 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213223025/http://www.eurosport.fr/tennis/us-open/2017/anderson-et-nadal-une-histoire-qui-dure-depuis-1998_sto6327902/story.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

In February 1998, Nadal competed outside Spain for the first time and won the Open Super 12, an unofficial world championship for U12 players in Auray. He beat 1997 winner Jamie Murray in the final.<ref name=Auray>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.elmundo.es/deportes/tenis/2019/06/10/5cfe84d2fdddff0e3a8b469b.html |title=La evolución de Rafa Nadal en Francia: de las lágrimas en 1998 a la sonrisa de 2019 |language=es |website=www.elmundo.es |date=10 June 2019 |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110222255/https://www.elmundo.es/deportes/tenis/2019/06/10/5cfe84d2fdddff0e3a8b469b.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At the time, Nadal was torn between football and tennis, partly because his uncle Miguel Ángel was preparing to compete in the 1998 FIFA World Cup with Spain.<ref name=Gourcuff>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.sofoot.com/articles/yoann-gourcuff-rafael-nadal-echange-de-balles-foot-tennis |title=Yoann Gourcuff-Rafael Nadal, échange de balles |language=fr |website=www.sofoot.com |date=8 June 2018 |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110222255/https://www.sofoot.com/articles/yoann-gourcuff-rafael-nadal-echange-de-balles-foot-tennis |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal said winning the Auray tournament helped him make the decision to "opt for tennis and try an international career".<ref name=Auray/><ref name=Gourcuff/> In 1998, when Nadal was runner-up in the U14 event Spanish championship, he was still playing football.<ref name=Making1>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1234812-wimbledon-2012-rafael-nadal-the-making-of-a-champion-part-one |title=Rafael Nadal: The Making of a Champion, Part 1 |website=bleacherreport.com |date=25 June 2012 |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110222255/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1234812-wimbledon-2012-rafael-nadal-the-making-of-a-champion-part-one |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal's father insisted he choose between football and tennis to so his schoolwork wouldn't suffer, leading Nadal to quit football.<ref name="timesonline">{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/article708386.ece%7Ctitle=The Big Interview: Rafael Nadal|work=The Sunday Times|date=23 April 2006|first=Alison|last=Kervin|access-date=5 April 2010|archive-date=7 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907070717/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/article708386.ece%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

In 1999, the 12-year-old Nadal was playing in the U14 circuit of the ETA Junior Tour (now the Tennis Europe Junior Tour), winning the Tim Essonne,<ref name="Palmarès">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://tournoi.fft.fr/tim-essonne/tim-essonne_a/cms/index_public.php?PHPSESSID=d03dc63de62c93cd2b9a46381a44ea8f&ui_id_site=1&us_action=show_note&ui_id_doc=1000500020 |title=1999 Tim Essonne vainqueur |language=fr |website=tournoi.fft.fr |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110222256/https://tournoi.fft.fr/tim-essonne/tim-essonne_a/cms/index_public.php?PHPSESSID=d03dc63de62c93cd2b9a46381a44ea8f&ui_id_site=1&us_action=show_note&ui_id_doc=1000500020 |url-status=live }}</ref> and finishing the year at No. 69.<ref name=25years>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://issuu.com/tenniseurope/docs/25_years_of_the_tennis_europe_junio/26 |title=25 years of the Tennis Europe Junior Tour by Tennis Europe |website=issuu.com |date=18 December 2015 |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=27 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027162859/https://issuu.com/tenniseurope/docs/25_years_of_the_tennis_europe_junio/26 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2000, Nadal dominated the U14 circuit, winning Les Petits As in Tarbes, beating Julien Gely in the final,<ref name=conoce/><ref name=25years/><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.lespetitsas.com/en/tournament/winners-record/ |title=The winners of Les Petits As |website=www.lespetitsas.com |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026195914/https://www.lespetitsas.com/en/tournament/winners-record/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the European Junior Masters in Prato.<ref name=conoce/><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.pinterest.es/pin/108508672247826177/ |title=A young Rafa Nadal won the Tennis Europe 14&U Junior Masters title |website=www.pinterest.es |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110222255/https://www.pinterest.es/pin/108508672247826177/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On the day he turned 14, Nadal won the Sport Goofy Trophy in Getxo, beating Granollers in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/bizkaia/20180530/443950532383/nadal-rafa-tenis-jolaseta-getxo.html |title=Se cumplen 18 años de la victoria vasca de Rafa Nadal |language=es |website=www.mundodeportivo.com |date=30 May 2018 |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130053934/https://www.mundodeportivo.com/bizkaia/20180530/443950532383/nadal-rafa-tenis-jolaseta-getxo.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.tenispain.com/palmares/goofy.pdf |title=Trofeo Sport Goofy |website=www.tenispain.com |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130053937/http://www.tenispain.com/palmares/goofy.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In July, Nadal won the U14 Spanish championships, beating his friend and training partner Tomeu Salvá in the final,<ref name=conoce/><ref name=Tomeu>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.ultimahora.es/deportes/otros-deportes/2000/07/17/902373/rafael-nadal-supera-a-tomeu-salva-y-se-proclama-campeon-de-espana-infantil.html |title=Rafael Nadal supera a Tomeu Salvà y se proclama campeón de España infantil |language=es |website=www.ultimahora.es |date=17 July 2000 |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130053943/https://www.ultimahora.es/deportes/otros-deportes/2000/07/17/902373/rafael-nadal-supera-a-tomeu-salva-y-se-proclama-campeon-de-espana-infantil.html |url-status=live }}</ref> despite breaking a finger on his left hand during the first round.<ref name=Tomeu/><ref name=BrokenFinger>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.ubitennis.net/2020/11/nadal-at-1000-the-fearless-teen-who-won-a-junior-tournament-with-a-broken-finger-has-become-a-timeless-legend/ |title=Nadal At 1000: The Fearless Teen Who Won A Junior Tournament With A Broken Finger Has Become A Timeless Legend |website=www.ubitennis.net |date=11 September 2020 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=11 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111005912/https://www.ubitennis.net/2020/11/nadal-at-1000-the-fearless-teen-who-won-a-junior-tournament-with-a-broken-finger-has-become-a-timeless-legend/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As a member of the Spanish national team, Nadal won the 2000 ITF World Junior Championship for players under 14, winning his matches in both singles and doubles (paired with Marcel Granollers) in a 3–0 win over Russia.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.itftennis.com/media/5203/junior-team-competitions-rolls-of-honour.pdf |title=Junior team competitions rolls of honour |website=www.itftennis.com |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031024504/https://www.itftennis.com/media/5203/junior-team-competitions-rolls-of-honour.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal ended 2000 at No. 5 of the ETA rankings for U14s.<ref name=25years/>

His junior results secured Nadal a tennis scholarship in Barcelona, and the Spanish tennis federation requested that Nadal move to Barcelona to continue his tennis training.<ref name=Making1/> His family turned down this request, partly because they feared his education would suffer,<ref name="timesonline" /> but also because Toni said, "I don't want to believe that you have to go to America or other places to be a good athlete. You can do it from your home."<ref name=Making1/><ref name="Rajaraman">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.insidetennis.com/archive/0608_french_open_nadal.html%7Cfirst=Aarthi%7Clast=Rajaraman%7Ctitle=At Home with Humble yet Ambitious Nadal|date=1 June 2008|work=Inside Tennis|access-date=5 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609141023/http://www.insidetennis.com/archive/0608_french_open_nadal.html%7Carchive-date=9 June 2010}}</ref> Nadal already was by then practicing three times a week at Palma with former World No. 1 Carlos Moyá, who later became Nadal's mentor and confidant,<ref name=Making1/><ref name="Rajaraman" /> and whom Nadal beat in 2000, at the time still a Top-10 player, in an exhibition match.<ref name=teenage>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/french06/news/story?id=2476698 |title=Nadal among the great teenage athletes |publisher=ESPN |date=9 June 2006 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=11 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111005911/https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/french06/news/story?id=2476698 |url-status=live }}</ref> The decision to stay home meant less financial support from the federation; instead, Nadal's father covered the costs.<ref name="timesonline" />

File:Rafael-Nadal-Singles-Ranking-History-Chart.png

Rafael Nadal singles-ranking history chart through January 2020

File:Singles-Ranking-Composite-History-Chart-RogerFederer+RafaelNadal+NovakDjokovic.png

Singles ranking composite history chart through January 2020 (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic)

2001–2002: Start of professional career

Nadal turned professional at the beginning of 2001, at the age of 14. He reached the semi-finals of the junior singles event at Wimbledon<ref name=ITF>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/rafael-nadal/800226907/esp/jt/S/overview/ |title=Rafael Nadal Tennis Player Profile |access-date=15 June 2012|archive-date=5 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105044434/https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/rafael-nadal/800226907/esp/jt/S/overview/%7Curl-status=dead}}</ref> and helped Spain defeat the US in the final of the Junior Davis Cup.<ref name=ITF/><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup |author=BNP Paribas |url=http://www.itftennis.com/media/188865/188865.pdf |website=International Tennis Federation |access-date=11 August 2016 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051702/http://www.itftennis.com/media/188865/188865.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In early 2001, aged 14, Nadal began playing the qualifying draws of professional tournaments. In May 2001, he defeated former Grand Slam tournament champion Pat Cash in a clay-court exhibition match.<ref name="times">{{#invoke:Cite|news|first=Christopher |last=Clarey |title=Rafael Nadal, Barely 19, He's Got Game, Looks and Remarkably Good Manners |date=6 June 2005 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/06/sports/tennis/06nadal.html |access-date=5 April 2010 | archive-date=29 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029083648/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/06/sports/tennis/06nadal.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=7fotos>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.menshealth.com/es/noticias-deportivas-masculinas/g41063373/rafa-nadal-fotos-inicios-campeon-mallorquin/ |title=Rafa Nadal antes de ser Rafa Nadal, fotos de los inicios del campeón mallorquín |language=es |website=www.menshealth.com |date=9 March 2022 |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=3 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903070159/https://www.menshealth.com/es/noticias-deportivas-masculinas/g41063373/rafa-nadal-fotos-inicios-campeon-mallorquin/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal made his pro debut in the main draw at the Futures in Madrid on 11 September 2001, wasting 13 match points against Guillermo Platel-Varas in the opening round.<ref name=BrokenFinger/><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/47246/15yearold-rafael-nadal-wastes-13-match-points-in-his-first-futures-match/ |title=15-year-old Rafael Nadal wastes 13 match points in his first Futures match! |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=11 September 2017 |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110222255/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/47246/15yearold-rafael-nadal-wastes-13-match-points-in-his-first-futures-match/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He received a wild card into the main draw of the Challenger in Seville, his first Challenger tournament, and beat world No. 751 Israel Matos Gil 6–4 6–4 to claim his first pro win and earn the first five ATP points of his career to become world No. 1002.<ref name=Making2>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1266001-mens-tennis-rafael-nadal-the-making-of-a-champion-part-2 |title=Rafael Nadal: The Making of a Champion, Part 2 |website=bleacherreport.com |date=20 July 2012 |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110222255/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1266001-mens-tennis-rafael-nadal-the-making-of-a-champion-part-2 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=BrokenFinger/> At age 15, Nadal ended 2001 as the world No. 811.<ref name=Making2/>

In 2002, Nadal, then ranked No. 762, received a wild card to the ATP 250 event on his home island of Mallorca,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/our-features/april-29-2002-the-day-rafael-nadal-made-his-entry-onto-the-big-stage-122272.html |title=29 April 2002: The day a 15-year-old Rafael Nadal made a stunning ATP Tour debut |website=www.tennismajors.com |date=29 April 2023 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=11 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111005911/https://www.tennismajors.com/our-features/april-29-2002-the-day-rafael-nadal-made-his-entry-onto-the-big-stage-122272.html |url-status=live }}</ref> where on 29 April, Nadal won his first ATP match by defeating No. 81 Ramón Delgado,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Rafael_Nadal/42913/april-29-2002-rafael-nadal-wins-his-first-atp-match-at-home-in-mallorca/%7Ctitle=29 April 2002 – Rafael Nadal wins his first ATP match at home in Mallorca|website=tennisworldusa.org|date=30 April 2017|access-date=1 May 2017|archive-date=4 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504101616/http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Rafael_Nadal/42913/april-29-2002-rafael-nadal-wins-his-first-atp-match-at-home-in-mallorca%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> and became the ninth player in the Open Era to do so before the age of 16.<ref name=Making2/><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.tennis.com/features/general/features.aspx?id=10488 |title=Wimbledon 2006: The Duel |last=Tignor |first=Stephen |date=20 June 2006 |work=Tennis Magazine |access-date=8 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605110231/http://www.tennis.com/features/general/features.aspx?id=10488 |archive-date= 5 June 2008}}</ref> He did not compete for two months as he studied for school exams and missed the junior French Open in June.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/44959/nadal-recalls-2002-wimbledon-i-had-not-been-having-dinner-for-four-days-/ |title=Nadal recalls 2002 Wimbledon: 'I had not been having dinner for four days' |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=3 July 2017 |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=11 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911020201/http://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/44959/nadal-recalls-2002-wimbledon-i-had-not-been-having-dinner-for-four-days-/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At junior Wimbledon, he reached the semi-finals before losing to Lamine Ouahab.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.libertaddigital.com/deportes/2002-07-06/el-espanol-rafael-nadal-cae-ante-el-argelino-lamine-ouahab-en-el-torneo-junior-de-wimbledon-1275310586/ |title=El español Rafael Nadal cae ante el argelino Lamine Ouahab en el torneo junior de Wimbledon |language=es |website=www.libertaddigital.com |date=6 July 2002 |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130053935/https://www.libertaddigital.com/deportes/2002-07-06/el-espanol-rafael-nadal-cae-ante-el-argelino-lamine-ouahab-en-el-torneo-junior-de-wimbledon-1275310586/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal then won six of the nine Futures events he entered from July until December, including 5 on clay and 1 on hard courts.<ref name=Making2/><ref name="ITFbio">{{#invoke:Cite|web| url=https://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/players/player/profile.aspx?playerid=100007935 | title=Nadal official ITF activity | access-date=9 August 2018 | archive-date=1 August 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801034417/https://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/players/player/profile.aspx?playerid=100007935 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Nadal finished 2002 with a Futures record of 40–9 in singles and 10–9 in doubles.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.tennisabstract.com/cgi-bin/player.cgi?p=RafaelNadal&f=ACareerqq%7Ctitle=Tennis Abstract: Rafael Nadal ATP Match Results, Splits, and Analysis – Singles|website=www.tennisabstract.com|access-date=9 August 2018|archive-date=9 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709010014/http://www.tennisabstract.com/cgi-bin/player.cgi?p=RafaelNadal&f=ACareerqq%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.tennisabstract.com/cgi-bin/player.cgi?p=RafaelNadal&f=ACareerqq&view=doubles|title=Tennis Abstract: Rafael Nadal ATP Match Results, Splits, and Analysis – Doubles|website=www.tennisabstract.com|access-date=9 August 2018|archive-date=9 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709010012/http://www.tennisabstract.com/cgi-bin/player.cgi?p=RafaelNadal&f=ACareerqq&view=doubles%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In October, Nadal defeated No. 76 Albert Montañés in the quarterfinals of a Challenger at Barcelona,<ref name=conoce/> before losing to Albert Portas in the semi-finals.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.itftennis.com/en/tournament/barcelona-challenger/esp/2002/m-ch-esp-05a-2002/draws-and-results/ |title=Barcelona Challenger 2002 Tennis Tournament |website=www.itftennis.com |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130053937/https://www.itftennis.com/en/tournament/barcelona-challenger/esp/2002/m-ch-esp-05a-2002/draws-and-results/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal ended 2002 as the world No. 199.

2003: First ATP title and ascending to the top 50

Nadal continued his ascent in early 2003, reaching the finals of Challengers at Hamburg, Cherbourg and Cagliari, and winning at Barletta.<ref name=Making2/> He scored a total of 19 Challenger wins in the first three months of the season to find himself inside the Top 150.<ref name=wimbydebut>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/56859/june-23-2003-rafael-nadal-makes-historic-wimbledon-debut/ |title=23 June 2003: Rafael Nadal makes historic Wimbledon debut |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=24 June 2018 |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130053937/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/56859/june-23-2003-rafael-nadal-makes-historic-wimbledon-debut/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He then qualified for his second career ATP event, the Monte Carlo Masters, where in the second round he beat the 2002 French Open champion Albert Costa, then ranked No. 7 (his first top 10 career win) and he entered the world's top 100.<ref name=Making2/><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/looking-back-at-nadal-s-monte-carlo-debut-in-2003 |title=Looking back at Nadal's Monte Carlo debut in 2003 |website=www.tennis.com |date=18 April 2019 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=11 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111005913/https://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/looking-back-at-nadal-s-monte-carlo-debut-in-2003 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal reached his fifth Challenger final of the year in Aix-en-Provence, which he lost to Mariano Puerta.<ref name=ChallengerFour>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.rafanadalacademy.com/en/news/the-big-four-it-all-started-on-the-challenger-tour |title=The Big Four: It all started on the Challenger Tour |website=www.rafanadalacademy.com |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=1 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601132152/https://www.rafanadalacademy.com/en/news/the-big-four-it-all-started-on-the-challenger-tour |url-status=live }}</ref> In May, 16-year-old Nadal entered his second Masters event at Hamburg, where he upset No. 4 Carlos Moyá before losing to future French Open Champion Gaston Gaudio in round three.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/132349/hamburg-flashback-rafael-nadal-s-impressive-run-at-16/ |title=Hamburg Flashback: Rafael Nadal's Impressive Run at 16 |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=9 May 2023 |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=9 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509171549/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/132349/hamburg-flashback-rafael-nadal-s-impressive-run-at-16/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal postponed his French Open debut after injuring his elbow in a fall while training.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/tennis/nadals-injuries-affecting-his-participation-grand-slams-2023-05-18/ |title=Nadal's injuries affecting his participation at Grand Slams |website=www.reuters.com |date=18 May 2023 |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110222255/https://www.reuters.com/sports/tennis/nadals-injuries-affecting-his-participation-grand-slams-2023-05-18/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He then qualified directly to Wimbledon, having never contested in a major qualifying event before.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| first=Christopher | last=Clarey | title=Wimbledon Tennis: An unusual comfort zone | date=26 June 2003 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/26/sports/26iht-tennis_ed3__12.html | work=The New York Times | access-date=5 April 2010 | archive-date=13 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613004429/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/26/sports/26iht-tennis_ed3__12.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In his major main draw debut in Wimbledon, Nadal defeated Mario Ančić, and reached the third round to become the youngest man to do so since Boris Becker in 1984.<ref name=teenage/><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/DEUCE-Tennis/DEUCE-May-2010/Rafael-Nadal.aspx | title=The Rafa Renaissance | work=atpworldtour | first=Joel | last=Drucker | date=18 May 2010 | access-date=22 December 2010 | archive-date=30 March 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330053230/http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/DEUCE-Tennis/DEUCE-May-2010/Rafael-Nadal.aspx | url-status=live }}</ref>

At Umag, Nadal lost to Moyá in the semi-finals. This was Nadal's only loss at a clay-court semi-final for the next 12 years, as he then began a streak of 52 consecutive wins in semi-final matches on clay that ended at the 2015 Rio Open.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.tennisnow.com/Blogs/NET-POSTS/February-2015/10-Things-That-Happened-While-Rafael-Nadal-Was-Win.aspx |title=10 Things That Happened While Rafael Nadal Was Winning 52 Straight Clay-Court Semifinals |website=www.tennisnow.com |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=22 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822075645/http://www.tennisnow.com/Blogs/NET-POSTS/February-2015/10-Things-That-Happened-While-Rafael-Nadal-Was-Win.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal won his first ATP title (doubles or singles) at Umag, partnering Álex López Morón to beat Todd Perry and Thomas Shimada in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web| url=http://www.tennislive.net/atp/match/alex-lopez-moron-rafael-nadal-VS-todd-perry-thomas-shimada/international-championship-of-croatia-umag-2003/ | title=2003 UMAG results | access-date=9 August 2018 | archive-date=10 August 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810042115/http://www.tennislive.net/atp/match/alex-lopez-moron-rafael-nadal-VS-todd-perry-thomas-shimada/international-championship-of-croatia-umag-2003/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal won his second Challenger title of the year in August at Segovia, thus entering the top 50 and winning the ATP Newcomer of the Year Award.<ref name=Making2/>

At the US Open, Nadal lost in round two to Younes El Aynaoui.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/133873/against-all-odds-rafael-nadal-s-unrelenting-determination-in-2003/ |title=Rafael Nadal's Unrelenting Determination in 2003 |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=13 June 2023 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=13 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613004524/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/133873/against-all-odds-rafael-nadal-s-unrelenting-determination-in-2003/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In September, Nadal entered the final Challenger event of his career, on hard courts in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, retiring with an injury against Richard Gasquet, who never defeated Nadal again.<ref name=ChallengerFour/><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.itftennis.com/en/tournament/st-jean-de-luz-challenger/fra/2003/m-ch-fra-06a-2003/draws-and-results/ |title=St. Jean de Luz Challenger 2003 Tennis Tournament |website=www.itftennis.com |access-date=30 November 2023 }}</ref> Nadal finished the year ranked as the world No. 49.<ref name=Making2/>

2004: Davis Cup title

Nadal won Chennai Open doubles, with Tommy Robredo defeating Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram in the final; Nadal's second doubles title and first on hard courts.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web| url=https://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/archive/chennai/891/2004/results?matchType=doubles | title=ATP Chennai doubles info | work=ATP World Tour | access-date=10 August 2018 | archive-date=10 August 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810143249/https://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/archive/chennai/891/2004/results?matchType=doubles | url-status=live }}</ref> In singles, Nadal had his 5th consecutive loss after a first round exit to Thierry Ascione; this remains the worst losing streak of his career.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://en.as.com/other_sports/rafa-nadal-his-worst-streak-in-14-years-n/ |title=Rafa Nadal: his worst streak in 14 years |website=en.as.com |date=16 November 2022 |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=1 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401233323/https://en.as.com/other_sports/rafa-nadal-his-worst-streak-in-14-years-n/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At Auckland he reached the first ATP final of his career, which he lost to Dominik Hrbatý.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/1710784/ |title=Hrbaty beats Nadal in Auckland final |work=ESPN |date=16 January 2004 |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130054456/https://ssum-sec.casalemedia.com/usermatch?us_privacy=1YNY&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.espn.com%2F&s=184674&cb=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.indexww.com%2Fht%2Fhtw-pixel.gif%3F&C=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal reached the third round of the Australian Open, where he lost in straight sets to former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/01/24/tennis.hewitt.reut/ |title=Hewitt survives test against Nadal |website=CNN |date=24 January 2004 |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=13 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913221121/http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/01/24/tennis.hewitt.reut/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Ranked No. 34, Nadal faced No. 1 Roger Federer for the first time in the third round of the Miami Open, winning in straight sets before losing to Fernando González in the fourth round.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/5/en/players/playerprofiles/rankhistory.asp?playernumber=N409&selyear=2004%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal's 2004 Ranking History|publisher=ATP's official site|access-date=14 February 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325052656/http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/5/en/players/playerprofiles/rankhistory.asp?playernumber=N409&selyear=2004%7Carchive-date=25 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=28 March 2014|title=Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer: 10 Years And Counting|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/03/13/Miami-Roger-Rafa-10-Years-Rivalry.aspx%7Caccess-date=2 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328101203/http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/03/13/Miami-Roger-Rafa-10-Years-Rivalry.aspx |archive-date=28 March 2014 }}</ref>

At Estoril, Nadal suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle during his round of 16 victory over Richard Gasquet, causing him to miss 3 months of play, the French Open, and Wimbledon.<ref name=Making2/><ref name="times" /> He won his first ATP singles title at the Prokom Open by defeating No. 105 José Acasuso in the final, but won hardly any other match on the tour.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web| url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/19697/on-this-day-rafael-nadal-won-the-first-title-of-his-career-in-sopot-10-years-ago/ | title=Rafael Nadal won the first title of his career in Sopot | date=15 August 2014 | access-date=10 August 2018 | archive-date=9 July 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709010914/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/19697/on-this-day-rafael-nadal-won-the-first-title-of-his-career-in-sopot-10-years-ago/ | url-status=live }}</ref> At the US Open, Nadal lost to defending champion Andy Roddick in the second round.<ref name=Making2/> In the doubles he and Robredo upset the No. 4 seeds in the third round and reached the semi-finals; Nadal's best performance in a grand slam doubles event.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.itftennis.com/en/tournament/US-open/usa/2004/m-sl-usa-01a-2004/draws-and-results/ |title=2004 US Open men's doubles info |website=www.itftennis.com |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024007/https://www.itftennis.com/en/tournament/US-open/usa/2004/m-sl-usa-01a-2004/draws-and-results/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the 2004 Davis Cup final, 18-year-old Nadal beat world No. 2 Andy Roddick on clay in Spain to help his nation clinch the title over the United States. In doing so at 18 years and six months of age, he became the youngest player to register a singles victory in a Davis Cup final for a winning nation.<ref name=Bio>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal |title=Rafael Nadal – Biography, Titles, & Facts |website=www.britannica.com |date=25 October 2023 |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=16 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416084303/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=teenage/><ref name="telenadkno1">{{#invoke:Cite|news| first=Emily | last=Benammar | title=Rafael Nadal: All you need to know | date=8 July 2008 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/atptour/2305040/Rafael-Nadal-All-you-need-to-know.html | work=The Daily Telegraph | access-date=5 April 2010 | archive-date=23 May 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523184459/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/atptour/2305040/Rafael-Nadal-All-you-need-to-know.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal finished the year ranked No. 51, mainly because he missed most of the clay court season.<ref name=Making2/>

2005: First major title

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

2005 started with a doubles title alongside Albert Costa at the Qatar Open, defeating Andrei Pavel and Mikhail Youzhny in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/archive/doha/451/2005/draws?matchType=doubles |title=Doha doubles info |website=www.atptour.com |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024006/https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/archive/doha/451/2005/draws?matchType=doubles |url-status=live }}</ref> At the 2005 Australian Open, Nadal lost in the fourth round to eventual runner-up Lleyton Hewitt. Two months later, he reached the final of the 2005 Miami Masters, but was defeated by No. 1 Roger Federer.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| title=Brave Hewitt battles past Nadal | date=24 January 2005 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/4200919.stm | publisher=BBC Sport | access-date=6 April 2010 | archive-date=21 September 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060921032847/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/4200919.stm | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| title=Nadal proves to be the real deal | date=5 April 2005 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/4412667.stm | publisher=BBC Sport | access-date=6 April 2010 | archive-date=21 August 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821175110/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/4412667.stm | url-status=live }}</ref>

He dominated the spring clay-court season. He won 24 consecutive singles matches, breaking Andre Agassi's Open Era record of consecutive match wins for a male teenager.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| title=Teen Nadal gives Spain reign over French Open | date=5 June 2006 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/tennis/french/2005-06-05-day-14_x.htm | agency=Associated Press | work=USA Today | access-date=6 April 2010 | archive-date=22 January 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122234602/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/tennis/french/2005-06-05-day-14_x.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal won the Torneo Conde de Godó in Barcelona defeating the former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final; which meant he was ranked in the top 10 for the first time in his career.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/atp/april-24-2005-the-day-rafael-nadal-won-barcelona-to-break-into-the-top-10-335403.html |title=24 April 2005: The day Rafael Nadal won Barcelona to break into the top 10 for the first time |website=www.tennismajors.com |date=24 April 2023 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024008/https://www.tennismajors.com/atp/april-24-2005-the-day-rafael-nadal-won-barcelona-to-break-into-the-top-10-335403.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He then beat 2004 French Open runner-up Guillermo Coria in the finals of the 2005 Monte Carlo Masters and the 2005 Italian Open. These victories raised his ranking to world No. 5<ref name="ranking2005">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Rafael-Nadal.aspx?t=rh |title=ATP Rankings History: Rafael Nadal |access-date=6 April 2010 |publisher=ATP Tour |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208041200/http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Rafael-Nadal.aspx?t=rh |archive-date=8 February 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and made him one of the favorites at his career-first French Open. On his 19th birthday, Nadal defeated Federer in the French Open semi-finals, being one of only four players to defeat him that year. Then he defeated Mariano Puerta in the final, becoming the second man to win the French Open on his first attempt.<ref name=7fotos/> He also became the first male teenager to win a major singles title since Pete Sampras won the 1990 US Open at age 19.<ref name="times" /> His ranking rose to No. 3.<ref name="ranking2005" />

Three days later, Nadal's 24-match winning streak was snapped in the first round on grass at Halle, Germany, where he lost to No. 147 Alexander Waske.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| title=Waske snaps Nadal's winning streak | date=10 June 2005 | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/sport/archives/2005/06/10/2003258798 | agency=Associated Press | access-date=6 April 2010 | archive-date=14 July 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714164724/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/sport/archives/2005/06/10/2003258798 | url-status=live }}</ref> He then lost in the second round of 2005 Wimbledon to No. 69 Gilles Müller.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/jun/24/wimbledon2005.wimbledon5 |title=Nadal out of place in the wrong setting |website=www.theguardian.com |date=24 June 2005 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024007/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/jun/24/wimbledon2005.wimbledon5 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following his Wimbledon loss, Nadal won 16 consecutive matches and three consecutive tournaments, the Swedish Open, Stuttgart Open, and the Canada Masters, defeating Agassi in the final of the latter to win the first hardcourt title of his career and to bring his ranking to No. 2 on 25 July 2005, where he remained for the next three years behind Roger Federer.<ref name=Making2/> His winning streak ended in the first round of the Cincinnati Open at the hands of Tomáš Berdych.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=2135980 |title=Nadal's streak ends with 3-hour marathon vs. Berdych |work=ESPN |date=16 August 2005 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024009/https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=2135980 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal was seeded second at the 2005 US Open, but was upset in the third round by No. 49 James Blake.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/usopen05/news/story?id=2150819 |title=Blake shocks Nadal with four-set victory |work=ESPN |date=3 September 2005 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024007/https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/usopen05/news/story?id=2150819 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September, he defeated Coria in the final of the China Open in Beijing and won both of his Davis Cup matches against Italy.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/beijing-atp/2005/nadal-wins-china-open_sto767043/story.shtml |title=Nadal wins China Open |website=www.eurosport.com |date=18 September 2005 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130054448/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> In October, he won his fourth Masters title of the year, against Ivan Ljubičić at the 2005 Madrid Masters, his biggest indoor title to this day.<ref name=BrokenFinger/><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/atp/october-23-3005-the-day-nadal-came-back-from-two-sets-down-to-triumph-in-madrid-300120.html |title=23 October 2005: The day Nadal came back from two sets down to triumph in Madrid |website=www.tennismajors.com |date=23 October 2023 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024007/https://www.tennismajors.com/atp/october-23-3005-the-day-nadal-came-back-from-two-sets-down-to-triumph-in-madrid-300120.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A foot injury prevented him from competing in the year-ending Tennis Masters Cup.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| first=Julian | last=Linden | title=Foot injury delays Rafael Nadal's comeback | date=5 January 2006 | url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/2006/jan/05nadal.htm | agency=Reuters | access-date=6 April 2010 | archive-date=7 June 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607042401/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2006/jan/05nadal.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>

Nadal (with 11 titles) broke Mats Wilander's previous teenage season record of nine in 1983.<ref name=Bio/><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-2008-no-1-atp-rankings-tribute |title=Rafael Nadal No. 1 Tribute |access-date=7 July 2009 |date=18 August 2008 |work=ATP World Tour |archive-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818044950/https://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-2008-no-1-atp-rankings-tribute |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal was awarded ATP Most Improved Player of the Year award.<ref name=Making2/>

2006: Second French Open title

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

Nadal missed the Australian Open because of a foot injury.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/4561684.stm%7Ctitle=Champion Safin out of Aussie Open|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 January 2006|access-date=13 November 2008|archive-date=17 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917220903/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/4561684.stm%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In February, he lost in the semi-finals of Marseille. Two weeks later, he handed Roger Federer his first loss of the year in the final of the Dubai Open, ending Federer's 56-match hard court winning streak.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/our-features/march-4-2006-nadal-ends-federers-win-streak-in-dubai-325237.html |title=4 March 2006: The day Rafael Nadal ended Roger Federer's 56-match hard court streak |website=www.tennismajors.com |date=4 March 2023 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024011/https://www.tennismajors.com/our-features/march-4-2006-nadal-ends-federers-win-streak-in-dubai-325237.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal was then upset in the semi-finals of Indian Wells by James Blake, and in the second round of Miami by Carlos Moyá.

File:Image-Nadal photographié-cropped.jpg

Nadal with the Coupe des Mousquetaires after winning the French Open in 2006.

Nadal beat Federer in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/return-winners-the-2006-monte-carlo-final |title=Return Winners: the 2006 Monte Carlo final |website=www.tennis.com |date=21 April 2018 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024010/https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/return-winners-the-2006-monte-carlo-final |url-status=live }}</ref> and Tommy Robredo in the Barcelona final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=2427861 |title=Nadal beats Robredo in Open Seat Godo final |work=ESPN |date=30 April 2006 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024007/https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=2427861 |url-status=live }}</ref> He won the Italian Open beating Federer in a fifth-set tiebreak in the final, after saving two match points, and equaled Björn Borg's tally of 16 ATP titles won as a teenager.<ref name=teenage/> At five hours and five minutes, this was the longest match Federer and Nadal ever contested and it is considered to be where their rivalry began in earnest. The New York Times compared it to the Muhammad Ali–Joe Frazier rivalry in boxing.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/king-of-clay-countdown-no-5-nadal-refuses-to-lose-in-five-hour-five-setter-again |title=Nadal refuses to lose in five-hour, five-setter against Federer in Rome |website=www.tennis.com |date=21 April 2023 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024008/https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/king-of-clay-countdown-no-5-nadal-refuses-to-lose-in-five-hour-five-setter-again |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal then broke Argentinian Guillermo Vilas's 29-year male record of 53 consecutive clay-court match victories by beating Robin Söderling in the first round of the French Open.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/french06/news/story?id=2462003 |title=Nadal wins record 54th straight on clay |work=ESPN |date=29 May 2006 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024008/https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/french06/news/story?id=2462003 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-may-30-sp-french30-story.html |title=Nadal Forms a Feat of Clay |website=www.latimes.com |date=30 May 2006 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024007/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-may-30-sp-french30-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal beat Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals, the first-ever meeting of their historic rivalry.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/nadal-v-djokovic-roland-garros-2006-chapter-one-in-15year-rivalry/news-story/6d1b382edacfa3053dd957cdb726ac47 |title=Nadal v Djokovic, Roland Garros, 2006: Chapter One in 15-year rivalry |website=www.theaustralian.com.au |date=25 May 2021 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115025509/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/nadal-v-djokovic-roland-garros-2006-chapter-one-in-15year-rivalry/news-story/6d1b382edacfa3053dd957cdb726ac47 |url-status=live }}</ref> He won the final over Federer to become the first player to beat Federer in a major final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web| first=Greg | last=Garber | title=Roger's reign on hold with Nadal's dominance | date=12 June 2006 | work=ESPN Tennis/French06 | publisher=ESPN | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/french06/news/story?id=2479425 | access-date=13 November 2008 | archive-date=13 August 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813022302/http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/french06/news/story?id=2479425 | url-status=live }}</ref>

At Wimbledon, Nadal beat No. 20 Andre Agassi in Agassi's last ever match at Wimbledon.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.rafanadalacademy.com/en/news/nadal-and-a-final-match-at-wimbledon-for-agassi |title=Nadal and a final match at Wimbledon for Agassi |website=www.rafanadalacademy.com |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024008/https://www.rafanadalacademy.com/en/news/nadal-and-a-final-match-at-wimbledon-for-agassi |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal won his next three matches to reach his first Wimbledon final (the first Spanish man since Manuel Santana in 1966 to reach the Wimbledon final). Federer won the final and his fourth consecutive Wimbledon title.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/jul/10/wimbledon2006.wimbledon2 |title=Federer takes crown for a fourth year but Nadal leaves his nerves in shreds |website=www.theguardian.com |date=10 July 2006 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=10 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210180943/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/jul/10/wimbledon2006.wimbledon2 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Nadal was upset in the third round of the Rogers Cup in Toronto and in the quarterfinals of Cincinnati by Juan Carlos Ferrero. At the US Open he lost in the quarterfinals to No. 54 Mikhail Youzhny.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/u-s-open/2006/youzhny-shocks-nadal_sto959036/story.shtml |title=Youzhny shocks Nadal |website=www.eurosport.com |date=7 September 2006 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130054448/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

Nadal played only three tournaments for the remainder of the year. Joachim Johansson, ranked No. 690, upset Nadal in the second round of the Stockholm Open<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/johansson-upsets-nadal-20061012-ge3bk1.html |title=Johansson upsets Nadal |website=www.theage.com.au |date=12 October 2006 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024008/https://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/johansson-upsets-nadal-20061012-ge3bk1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and he lost to Tomáš Berdych in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Masters. During the round-robin stage of the year-ending Tennis Masters Cup, Nadal lost to James Blake but defeated Nikolay Davydenko and Robredo. Nadal qualified for the semi-finals, where he lost to Federer. This was Nadal's third loss in nine career matches with Federer.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/masters-cup/2006/federer-beats-nadal-again_sto1013904/story.shtml |title=Federer beats Nadal again |website=www.eurosport.com |date=21 November 2006 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130054449/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

Nadal went on to become the first player since Andre Agassi in 1994–95 to finish the year ranked No. 2 in consecutive years.

2007: Third French Open title

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

At the Australian Open, Nadal lost in the quarterfinals to eventual runner-up Fernando González.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jan/24/tennis.australianopen20073 |title=Gonzalez makes light work of Nadal |website=www.theguardian.com |date=24 January 2007 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115031050/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jan/24/tennis.australianopen20073 |url-status=live }}</ref> After another quarterfinal loss at Dubai, he won Indian Wells after beating Novak Djokovic in the final, before losing to Djokovic in the quarterfinals of Miami.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/indian-wells-masters/2007/rafa-tastes-victory-again_sto1121461/story.shtml |title=Rafa tastes victory again |website=www.eurosport.com |date=18 March 2007 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130054449/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

He won the titles at the Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome, before losing to Roger Federer in the final of Hamburg.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/our-features/on-this-day/may-20th-2007-the-day-roger-federer-snapped-rafael-nadals-81-match-clay-winning-streak-257350.html |title=20 May 2007: Roger Federer breaks Rafael Nadal's 81-match winning streak on clay |website=www.tennismajors.com |date=20 May 2023 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024012/https://www.tennismajors.com/our-features/on-this-day/may-20th-2007-the-day-roger-federer-snapped-rafael-nadals-81-match-clay-winning-streak-257350.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This defeat ended his 81-match winning streak on clay, which is the male Open Era record for consecutive wins on a single surface. He bounced back quickly in the French Open, not dropping a set en route to the final where he faced Federer once again, this time winning in four sets to join Björn Borg as the only men to win three French Open titles in a row.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/rafa-rewind-2007-nadal-s-key-serving-leads-to-french-open-three-peat |title=Nadal's key serving leads to French Open three-peat |website=www.tennis.com |date=28 May 2020 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024007/https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/rafa-rewind-2007-nadal-s-key-serving-leads-to-french-open-three-peat |url-status=live }}</ref> Between Barcelona and Rome, Nadal beat Federer in the "Battle of Surfaces" exhibition match in Mallorca, with the court being half grass and half clay.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.thebattleofsurfaces.com/ |title=The Battle of Surfaces |access-date=4 April 2007 |archive-date=24 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124221707/http://www.thebattleofsurfaces.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.givemesport.com/88019157-rafael-nadal-vs-roger-federer-on-a-50-50-court-of-clay-and-grass-in-2007/ |title=Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer on a 50–50 court of clay and grass in 2007 |website=www.givemesport.com |date=25 May 2023 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=25 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525164133/https://www.givemesport.com/88019157-rafael-nadal-vs-roger-federer-on-a-50-50-court-of-clay-and-grass-in-2007/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Nadal was upset in the quarterfinals at Queen's. Nadal then won consecutive five-set matches during the third and fourth rounds of Wimbledon before being beaten by Federer in a five-set final. This was Federer's first five-set match at Wimbledon since 2001.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/6280788.stm%7Ctitle=Wimbledon 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Caroline|last=Cheese|date=7 July 2007|access-date=13 November 2008|archive-date=11 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070811210640/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/6280788.stm%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In July, Nadal beat Stan Wawrinka in the final of the clay-court Stuttgart Open.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/nadal-wins-stuttgart-title_sto1254471/story.shtml |title=Nadal wins Stuttgart title |website=www.eurosport.com |date=22 July 2007 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130054506/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal was a semi-finalist in Montreal before losing his first match at the Cincinnati Open.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-men-masters-nadal-idUSL1520264720070815 |title=Nadal withdraws from Cincinnati Masters |website=www.reuters.com |date=15 August 2007 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024008/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-men-masters-nadal-idUSL1520264720070815 |url-status=live }}</ref> At 2007 US Open, he was defeated in the fourth round by David Ferrer, and spent the tournament dealing with a knee injury.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/sep/05/tennis.usopentennis20071 |title=Nadal shown the door by Ferrer |website=www.theguardian.com |date=5 September 2007 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024015/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/sep/05/tennis.usopentennis20071 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/7117076.stm%7Ctitle=Nadal plays down foot injury fear|work=BBC Sport Tennis|first=Piers|last=Newbury|date=28 November 2007|access-date=11 February 2009|archive-date=11 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211040857/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/7117076.stm%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

At Madrid and Paris, David Nalbandian beat Nadal in straight sets in the quarterfinals and final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/nalbandian-destroys-nadal-s-perfect-paris-record-399055.html |title=Nalbandian destroys Nadal's perfect Paris record |website=www.independent.co.uk |date=5 November 2007 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024007/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/nalbandian-destroys-nadal-s-perfect-paris-record-399055.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal won two of his three-round robin matches to advance to the semi-finals of the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai, where Federer defeated him in straight sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-men-masters-idUST14028520071117 |title=Federer crushes Nadal to reach Shanghai final |website=www.reuters.com |date=17 November 2007 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024007/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-men-masters-idUST14028520071117 |url-status=live }}</ref>

2008: Two majors, Olympic singles gold, and world No. 1

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

Nadal reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open for the first time, losing in straight sets to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/jan/25/tennis.australianopen2008 |title=Tsonga blows Nadal away with a force of irresistible joy |website=www.theguardian.com |date=25 January 2008 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024015/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/jan/25/tennis.australianopen2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> He lost to Nikolay Davydenko in the Miami final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/130152/miami-flashback-rafael-nadal-blows-another-chance-to-win-missing-title/ |title=Miami Flashback: Rafael Nadal blows another chance to win missing title |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=22 March 2023 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024007/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/130152/miami-flashback-rafael-nadal-blows-another-chance-to-win-missing-title/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

At Monte Carlo, Nadal beat Federer in the final for the third year in a row to become the first player to win four consecutive titles there since Anthony Wilding in 1914.<ref name=MonteCarlo08>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-04-28/nadal-beats-federer-in-monte-carlo-final/2417332 |title=Nadal beats Federer in Monte Carlo final |website=www.abc.net.au |date=28 April 2008 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024006/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-04-28/nadal-beats-federer-in-monte-carlo-final/2417332 |url-status=live }}</ref> He also won the doubles event with Tommy Robredo, becoming the first player since Jim Courier in 1991 to win the singles and doubles titles at a Masters Series event.<ref name=MonteCarlo08/> Nadal won his fourth consecutive title at Barcelona. Nadal won his first Masters Hamburg title, defeating Federer, to become the third player to have won all three clay-court Masters Series titles, in Rome, Monte Carlo and Hamburg.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=3401952 |title=Nadal defeats Federer in three sets for Hamburg Masters title |work=ESPN |date=18 May 2008 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024007/https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=3401952 |url-status=live }}</ref> He then won the French Open, becoming the fifth man in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam singles title without losing a set.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Men's Grand Slam Titles Without Losing A Set |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/06/09/sports/TEN-Mens-Grand-Slam-Titles-No-Lost-Sets.php |agency=Associated Press |work=International Herald Tribune. Sports | date=9 June 2008 | access-date=9 August 2008 |archive-date=2 December 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202034854/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/06/09/sports/TEN-Mens-Grand-Slam-Titles-No-Lost-Sets.php |url-status=live }}</ref> He beat Federer in the final for the third straight year, losing only four games, and gave Federer his first bagel since 1999.<ref name="therivalry">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/Rivalries/Nadal-Federer-Rivalry.aspx%7Ctitle=Roger & Rafa: The Rivalry|date=14 March 2013|publisher=ATPtennis.com|access-date=11 April 2013|archive-date=31 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831151121/http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/Rivalries/Nadal-Federer-Rivalry.aspx%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> This was Nadal's fourth consecutive French title, tying Borg's all-time record. Nadal became the fourth male player during Open Era to win the same Grand Slam singles tournament for four consecutive years.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/jun/09/frenchopen.tennis |title=Nadal goes into Borg mode to hand Federer his worst humiliation |website=www.theguardian.com |date=9 June 2008 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=2 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002061529/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/jun/09/frenchopen.tennis |url-status=live }}</ref>

Nadal faced Federer in the final of Wimbledon for the third consecutive year, in the most anticipated match of their rivalry.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2008/07/05/wimbledon-federer-nadal.html%7Ctitle=Federer, Nadal set for Wimbledon showdown|agency=Associated Press|work=CBCSport|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=5 June 2008|access-date=11 February 2009|archive-date=12 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812132647/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2008/07/05/wimbledon-federer-nadal.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nadaledge">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon08/columns/story?columnist=ubha_ravi&id=3473804 |title=Nadal enters Wimbledon final with clear mental edge |first= Ravi |last= Ubha |publisher= ESPN |date=5 June 2008 |access-date=11 February 2009 |archive-date=10 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110051628/http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon08/columns/story?columnist=ubha_ravi&id=3473804 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal entered the final on a 23-match winning streak, including his first career grass-court title at Queen's. Unlike their previous two Wimbledon finals, Federer was not the prohibitive favorite, and many analysts picked Nadal to win.<ref name="nadaledge" /><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3474615&name=bodo_peter |title=Karma on Nadal's side |first=Bodo |last=Peter |publisher=ESPN |date=5 June 2008 |access-date=11 February 2009 |archive-date=10 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210102305/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3474615&name=bodo_peter |url-status=live }}</ref> At 4 hours and 48 minutes, they played the longest final (in terms of time on court, surpassed in 2019) in Wimbledon history, and because of rain delays, Nadal won the fifth set 9–7 in near-darkness. The match was widely lauded as the greatest Wimbledon final ever, with many tennis critics calling it the greatest match in tennis history.<ref name="greatestmatchever">{{#invoke:Cite|news|first=Bruce|last=Jenkins|title=The Greatest Match Ever|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/06/SPP711KSLR.DTL%7Cdate=7 July 2008|access-date=7 August 2008|work=The San Francisco Chronicle|archive-date=4 March 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120304234833/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2008%2F07%2F06%2FSPP711KSLR.DTL%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|first=Richard |last=Alleyne |title=Wimbledon 2008: John McEnroe hails Rafael Nadal victory as greatest final ever |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/wimbledon/2305019/Wimbledon-2008-John-McEnroe-hails-Rafael-Nadal-victory-as-greatest-final-ever.html |date=7 July 2008 |access-date=7 August 2008 |work=The Daily Telegraph |archive-date=15 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140215035202/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/wimbledon/2305019/Wimbledon-2008-John-McEnroe-hails-Rafael-Nadal-victory-as-greatest-final-ever.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|author=Alistair Magowan|title=Roger v Rafa – the best final ever?|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/7493099.stm%7Cpublisher=BBC Sport|date=7 July 2008|access-date=8 July 2008|archive-date=21 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921094324/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/7493099.stm%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

By winning Wimbledon, Nadal became the third man in the Open Era to win both the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year, as well as the second Spaniard to win Wimbledon.<ref name=cbsnews08>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rafael-nadal-wins-epic-wimbledon-match/ |title=Rafael Nadal Wins Epic Wimbledon Match |website=www.cbsnews.com |date=6 July 2008 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024008/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rafael-nadal-wins-epic-wimbledon-match/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He also ended Federer's streak of five consecutive Wimbledon titles and 65 straight wins on grass courts.<ref name=cbsnews08/>

Nadal extended his winning streak to a career-best 32 matches by winning his second Canada Masters title in Toronto, and reaching the semi-finals at Cincinnati, where he lost to Djokovic.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/djokovic-snaps-nadals-32match-win-streak-at-cincinnati-atp-20080803-3p65.html |title=Djokovic snaps Nadal's 32-match win streak at Cincinnati ATP |website=www.smh.com.au |date=3 August 2008 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024006/https://www.smh.com.au/world/djokovic-snaps-nadals-32match-win-streak-at-cincinnati-atp-20080803-3p65.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At the Beijing Olympics, he beat Fernando González in the final to win gold.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/aug/17/nadalwinsgold |title=Olympics: Nadal strikes precious gold and wakes up on top of the world |website=www.theguardian.com |date=18 August 2008 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024014/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/aug/17/nadalwinsgold |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/on-this-day-2008-rafael-nadal-captures-gold-medal-at-beijing-olympics |title=On This Day, 2008: Rafael Nadal captures gold medal at Beijing Olympics |website=www.tennis.com |date=17 August 2023 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115024008/https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/on-this-day-2008-rafael-nadal-captures-gold-medal-at-beijing-olympics |url-status=live }}</ref> With the win, Nadal clinched the world No. 1 ranking on 18 August, ending Federer's record four-and-a-half-year reign.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://tennis.com/news/news.aspx?id=142024%7Ctitle=Nadal wins Olympic gold over Gonzalez|publisher=Tennis.com|date=17 August 2008|access-date=5 April 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615205322/http://tennis.com/news/news.aspx?id=142024%7Carchive-date=15 June 2009}}</ref>

At the US Open, Nadal was the top seed for the first time at a major. He lost in the semi-finals to Andy Murray.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/sep/07/usopentennis.andymurray |title=Murray trumps Nadal to reach US Open final |website=www.theguardian.com |date=8 September 2008 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425150221/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/sep/07/usopentennis.andymurray |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal helped Spain defeat the United States in the Davis Cup semi-finals. At the Madrid Masters, Nadal lost in the semi-finals to Gilles Simon. He ended the year-end No. 1, making him the first Spaniard to finish the year No. 1 in the Open Era.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atptennis.com/1/en/2008news/nadalno1.asp |title=Nadal Clinches Year End No. 1 For First Time |publisher=ATPtennis.com |date=18 August 2008 |access-date=20 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022030531/http://www.atptennis.com/1/en/2008news/nadalno1.asp |archive-date=22 October 2008 }}</ref> At the Paris Masters, Nadal withdrew from his quarterfinal because of a knee injury and ended his season.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url= http://uk.reuters.com/article/tennisNews/idUKLV49845520081031%7Ctitle= UPDATE 2-Tennis-Knee injury forces Nadal to retire in Paris|first= Julien|last= Pretot|work= Reuters|access-date= 5 April 2009|date= 31 October 2008|archive-date= 22 August 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190822004126/https://uk.reuters.com/article/tennis-men-masters-nadal/update-2-tennis-knee-injury-forces-nadal-to-retire-in-paris-idUKLV49845520081031%7Curl-status= live}}</ref>

2009: Australian Open and Davis Cup titles

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

At Qatar Open, Nadal lost in the quarterfinals to Gaël Monfils. He won the doubles with Marc López, beating No. 1-ranked Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjić in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.itftennis.com/en/tournament/doha/qat/2009/m-250-qat-01a-2009/draws-and-results/ |title=Doha 2009 Doubles info |website=www.itftennis.com |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115210306/https://www.itftennis.com/en/tournament/doha/qat/2009/m-250-qat-01a-2009/draws-and-results/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the Australian Open, Nadal won his first five matches without dropping a set, before beating Fernando Verdasco in the semis in the fifth-longest match in Australian Open history (5 hours 14 minutes).<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/aus09/columns/story?columnist=ubha_ravi&id=3871740%7Ctitle=One for the record books|publisher=ESPN|first=Ravi|last=Ubha|date=30 January 2009|access-date=20 June 2012|archive-date=30 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130200014/http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/aus09/columns/story?columnist=ubha_ravi&id=3871740%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Nadal beat Federer in a five-set final (their first meeting in a hard-court major) to win his first hard-court major singles title,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/players/cmatch/atpn409.html |title=Rafael Nadal Completed Matches, 2009 Australian Open |publisher=Tennis Australia |date=30 January 2009 |access-date=30 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202120557/http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/players/cmatch/atpn409.html |archive-date=2 February 2009 }}</ref> and was the first Spaniard to win the Australian Open.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.tennishead.net/on-tour/Features/2009/record-breaking-rafa-notches-up-another-first |title=Record-breaking Rafa Notches Up Another First |publisher=Tennishead |date=4 February 2009 |access-date=4 February 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090409030222/http://www.tennishead.net/on-tour/Features/2009/record-breaking-rafa-notches-up-another-first/ |archive-date=9 April 2009 }}</ref>

File:Nadal Australian Open 2009 5.jpg

Nadal at the 2009 Australian Open

At Rotterdam, Nadal sustained a knee injury during the final, which he lost to Andy Murray.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/feb/16/tennis-andy-murray-rafael-nadal |title=Murray takes title to complete hat-trick over crocked Nadal |work=The Guardian |date=16 February 2009 |access-date=16 February 2009 |first=Simon |last=Cambers |archive-date=23 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323034349/http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/feb/16/tennis-andy-murray-rafael-nadal |url-status=live }}</ref> In March, Nadal beat Janko Tipsarević and Novak Djokovic to help Spain beat Serbia in Davis Cup round one.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Nadal beats Djokovic to help Spain clinch win|url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/29580139/%7Cagency=Associated Press|publisher=NBC Sports|access-date=13 June 2010|date=8 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011224054/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/29580139/%7Carchive-date=11 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Rogers|first=Iain|title=Nadal beats Djokovic to put Spain through|url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCATRE5270T420090308?sp=true%7Cwork=Reuters%7Caccess-date=13 June 2010|date=8 March 2009|archive-date=25 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525063244/http://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCATRE5270T420090308?sp=true%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> At Indian Wells, Nadal won his 13th Masters tournament, beating Andy Murray in the final.<ref name=":champslist">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> At the Miami Masters, Nadal lost to del Potro in the quarterfinals.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/3/en/players/headtohead/?player1=Del+Potro%2C+Juan+Martin&player2=nadal%7Ctitle=Players%7Cwork=ATP World Tour|access-date=4 April 2009|archive-date=5 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405172627/http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/3/en/players/headtohead/?player1=Del+Potro%2C+Juan+Martin&player2=nadal%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

At Monte Carlo, Nadal beat Djokovic in the final to win a record fifth consecutive singles title.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/8007021.stm%7Ctitle=Nadal seals fifth Monte Carlo win|date=19 April 2009|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=20 April 2009|archive-date=8 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908202430/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/8007021.stm%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> He won Barcelona and Italian Open, defeating Ferrer and Djokovic respectively.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/8019528.stm%7Ctitle=Nadal storms to Barcelona victory|date=26 April 2009|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=26 April 2009|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116053925/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/8019528.stm%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/8031729.stm|title=Nadal regains Rome Masters title|date=3 May 2009|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 May 2009|archive-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720034737/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/8031729.stm%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In the semi-finals of the Madrid Open, Nadal saved three match points to defeat Djokovic in a deciding set tiebreaker to take his career record over Djokovic to 14–4 and his clay record since 2005 to 150–4.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/rafaelnadal/5336118/Rafael-Nadal-defeats-Novak-Djokovic-in-four-hour-epic-to-reach-Madrid-Masters-final.html |title=Rafael Nadal defeats Novak Djokovic in four-hour epic to reach Madrid Masters final |website=www.telegraph.co.uk |date=16 May 2009 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=29 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729210336/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/rafaelnadal/5336118/Rafael-Nadal-defeats-Novak-Djokovic-in-four-hour-epic-to-reach-Madrid-Masters-final.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At 4 hours 3 minutes, it was at the time the longest three-set singles match on the ATP Tour, and was voted the best match ever at the Madrid Open in 2022.<ref name=voted>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://mutuamadridopen.com/en/the-2009-semi-final-between-nadal-and-djokovic-voted-the-best-match-in-mutua-madrid-open-history/ |title=The 2009 semi-final between Nadal and Djokovic, voted the best match in Mutua Madrid Open history |website=mutuamadridopen.com |date=14 March 2022 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=8 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608201614/https://mutuamadridopen.com/en/the-2009-semi-final-between-nadal-and-djokovic-voted-the-best-match-in-mutua-madrid-open-history/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Exhausted, Nadal lost the final to Roger Federer. This was Nadal's first defeat on clay in 33 matches and his first loss to Federer since the semi-finals of the 2007 Tennis Masters Cup.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global/2009/may/17/roger-federer-beats-rafael-nadal-madrid-open |title=Roger Federer takes Madrid Open to end losing streak against Rafael Nadal |website=www.theguardian.com |date=17 May 2009 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232454/https://www.theguardian.com/global/2009/may/17/roger-federer-beats-rafael-nadal-madrid-open |url-status=live }}</ref>

By beating Marcos Daniel in the first round of the French Open, Nadal broke Björn Borg's 28-year male record of 28 consecutive victories at the French Open,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/nadal-sets-french-open-consecutive-wins-record-1.783398 |title=Nadal sets French Open consecutive wins record |website=www.cbc.ca |date=27 May 2009 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232453/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/nadal-sets-french-open-consecutive-wins-record-1.783398 |url-status=live }}</ref> and he then broke Chris Evert's overall record of 29 by beating Teymuraz Gabashvili in round two.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/french09/news/story?id=4208612 |title=Nadal wins 30th straight at French Open |publisher=ESPN |date=27 May 2009 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232455/https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/french09/news/story?id=4208612 |url-status=live }}</ref> This run came to an end on 31 May 2009, when Nadal was upset by the eventual runner-up, Robin Söderling in the 4th round.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1620715-rafael-nadal-a-look-back-at-his-2009-french-open-loss-to-robin-soderling |title=Rafael Nadal: A Look Back at His 2009 French Open Loss to Robin Soderling |website=bleacherreport.com |date=6 May 2013 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232454/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1620715-rafael-nadal-a-look-back-at-his-2009-french-open-loss-to-robin-soderling |url-status=live }}</ref> This was Nadal's first loss at the French Open. Former champion Mats Wilander stated after the match that "Everybody's in a state of shock, I would think. At some point, Nadal was going to lose. But nobody expected it to happen today, and maybe not this year."<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-n3636615261-french-open-2009may31-story.html |title=4-time French Open champ Nadal upset by Soderling |website=www.sandiegouniontribune.com |date=31 May 2009 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232453/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-n3636615261-french-open-2009may31-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal withdrew from Queen's and Wimbledon due to suffering from tendinitis in both knees.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=4245078 |title=Rafael Nadal has problems in both knees, will try to rehab in time for Wimbledon |publisher=ESPN |date=9 June 2009 |access-date=6 June 2010 |archive-date=10 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110051628/http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=4245078 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8085394.stm | publisher=BBC News | title=Champion Nadal out of Wimbledon | date=19 June 2009 | access-date=22 May 2010 | archive-date=9 June 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090609012344/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8085394.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal dropped back to No. 2 behind Federer on 6 July 2009.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://archive.nytimes.com/straightsets.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/06/federer-is-back-at-no-1/ |title=Murray deposes Nadal as number two |website=archive.nytimes.com |date=6 July 2009 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232454/https://archive.nytimes.com/straightsets.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/06/federer-is-back-at-no-1/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

At the Montreal, Nadal lost in the quarterfinals to del Potro,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.sportinglife.com/tennis/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=tennis/09/08/15/manual_073518.html |title=Nadal Suffers Montreal Setback |date=15 August 2009 |work=Sporting Life |access-date=15 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118065911/http://www.sportinglife.com/tennis/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=tennis%2F09%2F08%2F15%2Fmanual_073518.html |archive-date=18 January 2012 }}</ref> meaning he dropped outside the top two for the first time since July 2005.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-08-16/murray-deposes-nadal-as-number-two/1392632 |title=Murray deposes Nadal as number two |website=www.abc.net.au |date=16 August 2009 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=29 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129125530/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-08-16/murray-deposes-nadal-as-number-two/1392632 |url-status=live }}</ref> He lost in the semi-finals of Cincinnati to Djokovic in straight sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/aug/23/novak-djokovic-rafael-nadal-cincinnati |title=Novak Djokovic sees off Rafael Nadal to reach Cincinnati final |website=www.theguardian.com |date=23 August 2009 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122224800/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/aug/23/novak-djokovic-rafael-nadal-cincinnati |url-status=live }}</ref> At the US Open Nadal lost in the semi-finals to eventual champion Juan Martín del Potro.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8253542.stm%7Ctitle=Del Potro thrashes Nadal in semis|date=13 September 2009|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=13 September 2009|archive-date=30 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830020112/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8253542.stm%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> At the ATP Finals, Nadal lost all three of his matches to Robin Söderling, Nikolay Davydenko, and Djokovic without winning a set.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/11/25/tennis.finals.nadal.davydenko.london/index.html |title=Davydenko ends Nadal's London hopes |website=CNN |date=26 November 2009 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232454/https://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/11/25/tennis.finals.nadal.davydenko.london/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In December, Nadal beat Tomáš Berdych in the Davis Cup final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/12/04/tennis.davis.cup.spain.final/index.html |title=Nadal gives Spain Davis Cup advantage |website=CNN |date=4 December 2009 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232453/https://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/12/04/tennis.davis.cup.spain.final/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Spain secured its fourth Davis Cup victory.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-nadal-beats-hajek-for-4-0-spain-lead-in-final-2009dec06-story.html |title=Nadal beats Hajek for 4–0 Spain lead in final |website=www.sandiegouniontribune.com |date=6 December 2009 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232455/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-nadal-beats-hajek-for-4-0-spain-lead-in-final-2009dec06-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Nadal finished the year as No. 2 for the fourth time in five years.

2010: Majors on all three surfaces, year-end No. 1, and Career Golden Slam

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

In his first ATP tournament of the year, Nadal reached the final of the Qatar Open, losing to Nikolay Davydenko.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| title=Davydenko shocks Nadal in final | date=9 January 2010 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/8450315.stm | work=The British Broadcasting Corporation | access-date=9 January 2010 | archive-date=16 November 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116051713/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/8450315.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> At the Australian Open, Nadal reached the quarterfinals, where he retired at 3–0 down in the third set against Andy Murray.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8478297.stm | publisher=BBC News | title=Murray through after Nadal injury | date=26 January 2010 | access-date=22 May 2010 | archive-date=8 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308174958/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/8478297.stm | url-status=live }}</ref>

Nadal reached the semi-finals of the Indian Wells Open and Miami Masters, losing to the eventual champions.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.bnpparibasopen.org/News/Tennis/2010/Tournament/ATP-Saturday2-Ljubicic-Shows-Fight-In-SF-Comeback.aspx |title=Ljubicic Shows Heart in semi-final Win Over Nadal |publisher=BNP Paribas Open |date=20 March 2010 |access-date=6 June 2010 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323001822/http://www.bnpparibasopen.org/News/Tennis/2010/Tournament/ATP-Saturday2-Ljubicic-Shows-Fight-In-SF-Comeback.aspx |archive-date=23 March 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| title=Roddick edges Nadal in three sets | date=3 April 2010 | publisher=ESPN News | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=5050939 | agency=Associated Press | access-date=5 April 2010 | archive-date=6 April 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100406002203/http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=5050939 | url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal won Monte Carlo, beating Fernando Verdasco in the final. It was his first title in 11 months, having lost only 14 games en route to become the first player in the Open Era to win the same tournament for six straight years.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| title=Unstoppable Nadal Captures Sixth Straight Title | date=18 April 2010 | work=James Buddell | publisher=ATP World Tour | url=http://www.monte-carlorolexmasters.com/News/Tennis/2010/Tournament/Sunday-Singles-Final.aspx | access-date=18 April 2010 | archive-date=21 April 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100421003655/http://www.monte-carlorolexmasters.com/News/Tennis/2010/Tournament/Sunday-Singles-Final.aspx | url-status=live }}</ref> At Italian Open, he defeated David Ferrer in the final for his fifth title.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/may/02/rafael-nadal-david-ferrer-rome-masters |title=Rafael Nadal beats David Ferrer to claim a fifth Rome Masters |website=www.theguardian.com |date=2 May 2010 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233341/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/may/02/rafael-nadal-david-ferrer-rome-masters |url-status=live }}</ref> At Madrid, Nadal beat Federer in straight sets to become the first man to complete a clean sweep of the three clay-court Masters 1000 titles<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/may/16/rafael-nadal-roger-federer-madrid-masters1 |title=Rafael Nadal beats Roger Federer to win Madrid Masters |website=www.theguardian.com |date=17 May 2010 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422094846/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/may/16/rafael-nadal-roger-federer-madrid-masters1 |url-status=live }}</ref> and was his 18th Masters title, breaking Andre Agassi's all-time record.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.rafanadalacademy.com/en/news/nadal-surpassed-agassi |title=The day Nadal surpassed Agassi title |website=www.rafanadalacademy.com |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232455/https://www.rafanadalacademy.com/en/news/nadal-surpassed-agassi |url-status=live }}</ref> He moved back to No. 2 in the rankings.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://eu.theledger.com/story/news/2010/05/17/nadal-beats-federer-for-18th-masters-title/26594625007/ |title=Nadal beats Federer for 18th Masters title |website=eu.theledger.com |date=17 May 2010 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130054502/https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2010/05/17/nadal-beats-federer-for-18th-masters-title/26594625007/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

At the French Open, Nadal beat Söderling in the final in straight sets to win his fifth French Open championship. This marked the second time that Nadal won the title without dropping a set.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/french10/news/story?id=5257268 |title=Nadal wins fifth French Open title |publisher=ESPN |date=6 June 2010 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232454/https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/french10/news/story?id=5257268 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal regained the world No. 1 ranking from Federer.<ref name=roar>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/402404-mens-tennis-power-rankings-rafael-nadal-claims-the-crown-with-a-roar |title=Rafael Nadal Claims the Crown With a Roar |website=bleacherreport.com |date=7 June 2010 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232453/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/402404-mens-tennis-power-rankings-rafael-nadal-claims-the-crown-with-a-roar |url-status=live }}</ref>

At Queen's, his 24-match winning streak was snapped by Feliciano López in the quarterfinals.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/lopez-ends-nadal-run_sto2358559/story.shtml |title=Lopez ends Nadal run |website=www.eurosport.com |date=11 June 2010 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130055059/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> At Wimbledon, Nadal needed five sets to defeat Philipp Petzschner in the third round, receiving warnings and a $2,000 fine for coaching during the match.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon10/news/story?id=5337651%7Ctitle=Nadal fined for receiving coaching|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=28 June 2010|access-date=15 June 2012|archive-date=3 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303034506/http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon10/news/story?id=5337651%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Brooks|first=Xan|title=Wimbledon 2010: Rafael Nadal v Tomáš Berdych – as it happened|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/jul/04/wimbledon-2010-rafael-nadal-tomas-berdych%7Cdate=4 July 2010|access-date=6 June 2010|work=The Guardian|archive-date=23 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323034327/http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/jul/04/wimbledon-2010-rafael-nadal-tomas-berdych%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> He beat Tomáš Berdych in the final to win his second Wimbledon title and his eighth major title.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/8784861.stm%7Ctitle=Wimbledon 2010: Rafael Nadal beats Berdych in final|date=4 July 2010|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=4 July 2010|first=Piers|last=Newbery|archive-date=26 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326085110/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/8784861.stm%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| url=http://thetennistimes.com/rafael-nadal-2010-wimbledon-champion/ | work=The Tennis Times | title=Tennis News: Nadal is Champion Again! | date=22 January 2010 | access-date=22 May 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100707023650/http://thetennistimes.com/rafael-nadal-2010-wimbledon-champion/ | archive-date=7 July 2010 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

In Canada, Nadal lost in the semi-finals to Murray.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://www.cbssports.com/tennis/story/13761191/murray-upsets-nadal-in-rogers-cup-semifinal%7Ctitle=Murray upsets Nadal in Rogers Cup semifinal|work=CBS Sports|date=14 August 2010|access-date=14 August 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110911171111/http://www.cbssports.com/tennis/story/13761191/murray-upsets-nadal-in-rogers-cup-semifinal%7Carchive-date=11 September 2011}}</ref> He also played doubles with Djokovic in a one-time partnership,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://news.tennisty.com/tennis-players-updates/nadal-and-djokovic-to-play-double-together/ |title=Nadal and Djokovic to play double together |publisher=News.tennisty.com |access-date=11 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716210527/http://news.tennisty.com/tennis-players-updates/nadal-and-djokovic-to-play-double-together/ |archive-date=16 July 2011 }}</ref> losing in the first round. At Cincinnati, he lost in the quarterfinals to Marcos Baghdatis.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/baghdatis-upsets-nadal-in-cincinnati |title=Baghdatis upsets Nadal in Cincinnati |website=www.tennis.com |date=21 August 2010 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232454/https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/baghdatis-upsets-nadal-in-cincinnati |url-status=live }}</ref> At the US Open, Nadal reached his first final without dropping a set and then beat Novak Djokovic to complete his first Career Grand Slam while also becoming the second male after Andre Agassi to complete a Career Golden Slam.<ref name=goldenslam>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/tennis/story/?id=333700%7Ctitle=Nadal Captures U.S. Open To Complete Career Grand Slam|publisher=The Sports Network (TSN)|date=14 September 2010|access-date=12 June 2012|quote=Nadal...also owns an Olympic gold medal, which makes him one of only two men to corral the Career Golden Slam, with the great Agassi being the other.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105221727/http://www.tsn.ca/tennis/story/?id=333700%7Carchive-date=5 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> He also became the first man to win majors on clay, grass, and hard courts in the same year, and the first to win the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open in the same year since Rod Laver in 1969.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/8992563.stm%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal wins US Open to seal Career Grand Slam|date=14 September 2010|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 September 2010|archive-date=25 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725120723/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/8992563.stm%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Nadal's victory also clinched him the year-end No. 1 ranking for 2010.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2010/09/Other/Nadal-ATP-World-Tour-Champion.aspx |title=Nadal Clinches Year-End No. 1 For Second Time |publisher=Atpworldtour.com |date=16 September 2010 |access-date=11 December 2010 |archive-date=18 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918220703/http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2010/09/Other/Nadal-ATP-World-Tour-Champion.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

In Bangkok he was upset by Guillermo García-López in the semi-finals despite creating 26 break points.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/48466.html |title=Nadal defeated despite creating 26 break points |publisher=ESPN |date=2 October 2010 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232454/http://en.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/48466.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal won the Japan Open after saving two match points against Viktor Troicki in the semi-finals and then beating Gaël Monfils in the final for his seventh title of the season.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/tennis/10/10/japan.open.nadal.wins.monfils/index.html |title=Nadal thrashes Monfils to claim Japan Open crown |website=CNN |date=10 October 2010 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232454/https://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/tennis/10/10/japan.open.nadal.wins.monfils/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At Shanghai, he lost to Jürgen Melzer in the third round. Nadal won the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award for the first time.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| title=Nadal wins Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award|date=20 November 2010|url=http://www.tennis.com/articles/templates/news.aspx?articleid=8843%7Cpublisher=Tennis.com |agency=Associated Press|access-date=20 June 2012}}</ref> At the ATP Finals in London, Nadal won all of his round-robin matches for the first time in his career. In the semi-finals, he defeated Murray in three sets, before losing to Roger Federer in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.rafaelnadal.com/content/i-tried-my-best-roger-was-better-me |title=Nadal after end of the ATP World Tour Finals final "I tried my best, but Roger was better than me" |publisher=Rafaelnadal.com |access-date=11 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218024516/http://www.rafaelnadal.com/content/i-tried-my-best-roger-was-better-me |archive-date=18 December 2010 }}</ref>

Nadal called 2010 his best year. Djokovic said that Nadal had "the capabilities already to become the best player ever", and that "he has the game now for each surface, and he has won each major. He has proven to the world that he is the best in this moment".<ref name=genius>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/sep/14/rafael-nadal-grand-slam-greatest-player |title=Beaten Novak Djokovic says Rafael Nadal can be 'best player ever' |website=www.theguardian.com |date=14 September 2010 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232454/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/sep/14/rafael-nadal-grand-slam-greatest-player |url-status=live }}</ref>

2011: Sixth French Open title and Davis Cup crown

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

At Mubadala World Tennis Championship exhibition event in Abu Dhabi, Nafal beat Roger Federer in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/nadal-beats-federer-in-abu-dhabi-final |title=Nadal beats Federer in Abu Dhabi final |website=www.tennis.com |date=1 January 2011 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124020000/https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/nadal-beats-federer-in-abu-dhabi-final |url-status=live }}</ref> At the Qatar Open, Nadal lost in straight sets to Nikolay Davydenko in the semi-finals but went on to win the doubles title alongside Marc López.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.live-tennis.com/category/Tennis-News/Rafael-Nadal-struggles-with-fever-in-Doha-201101080008/%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal – Nadal struggles with fever in Doha|publisher=Live-tennis.com|date=8 January 2011|access-date=3 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009171314/http://www.live-tennis.com/category/Tennis-News/Rafael-Nadal-struggles-with-fever-in-Doha-201101080008/%7Carchive-date=9 October 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.rafaelnadal.com/content/rafa-wins-doubles-will-delay-trip-australia |title=Rafa wins doubles will delay trip australia |work=The official nadal website |date=7 January 2011 |access-date=7 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110110002933/http://rafaelnadal.com/content/rafa-wins-doubles-will-delay-trip-australia |archive-date=10 January 2011 }}</ref> At the Australian Open, Nadal suffered a hamstring injury against David Ferrer early in his quarterfinal match and lost in straight sets, thus ending his attempt to win four major tournaments in a row.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Gleeson|first=Michael|title=Rafa slammed: run at history falls short as Ferrer KOs ailing ace|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=27 January 2011|url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/australian-open/rafa-slammed-run-at-history-falls-short-as-ferrer-kos-ailing-ace-20110126-1a5hr.html%7Caccess-date=27 January 2011|archive-date=13 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913191515/http://www.smh.com.au/sport/australian-open/rafa-slammed-run-at-history-falls-short-as-ferrer-kos-ailing-ace-20110126-1a5hr.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

File:Rafael Nadal at the 2011 Australian Open14.jpg

Nadal at the 2011 Australian Open.

In March, Nadal helped Spain defeat Belgium in a 2011 Davis Cup World Group first-round tie in the Spiroudome in Charleroi, Belgium. He beat Ruben Bemelmans and Olivier Rochus.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Rafael Nadal Wins in Davis Cup in Belgium, Gives Spain Lead|date=4 March 2011|url=http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2011/03/04/rafael-nadal-wins-davis-cup-belgium-gives-spain-lead/%7Cagency=Associated Press|access-date=4 March 2011|publisher=Fox News Channel|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307092454/http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2011/03/04/rafael-nadal-wins-davis-cup-belgium-gives-spain-lead/%7Carchive-date=7 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Rafael Nadal Wins Second Match in Davis Cup, Helps Spain Dominate Belgium|date=6 March 2011|url=http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2011/03/07/rafael-nadal-wins-second-match-davis-cup-helps-spain-dominate-belgium/%7Cagency=Associated Press|access-date=6 March 2011|publisher=Fox News Channel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726104457/http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2011/03/07/rafael-nadal-wins-second-match-davis-cup-helps-spain-dominate-belgium/%7Carchive-date=26 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Nadal reached the finals at Indian Wells and Miami, losing to Novak Djokovic in three sets.<ref name=sinks>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=3 April 2011 |title=Djokovic sinks Nadal in thrilling Miami final |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-men-miami-idUSTRE7322ZF20110403 |access-date=1 August 2022 |archive-date=11 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511131546/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-men-miami-idUSTRE7322ZF20110403 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Pulsating>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Fitzgerald |first=Matt |date=3 April 2011 |title=Djokovic Denies Nadal Again To Take Pulsating Final |url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/djokovic-nadal-miami-2011-sunday |access-date=18 September 2022 |website=ATP Tour |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920170646/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/djokovic-nadal-miami-2011-sunday |url-status=live }}</ref>

Nadal won Monte Carlo with the loss of one set. In the final he beat Ferrer.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Nadal won seven tournaments in a row at the ATP |date=17 April 2011 |url=http://www.rafaelnadal.com/content/nadal-wins-7th-straight-montecarlo-title |agency=Associated Press |access-date=17 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110420021526/http://www.rafaelnadal.com/content/nadal-wins-7th-straight-montecarlo-title |archive-date=20 April 2011 }}</ref> Nadal won his sixth Barcelona crown, again defeating Ferrer in straight sets. This was the 31st clay court title of his career, thus breaking a tie that he jointly held with Björn Borg and Manuel Orantes for the third most clay titles in the Open Era.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/tennis/04/24/nadal.barcelona.wozniacki.stuttgart/index.html |title=Nadal powers to sixth Barcelona title |website=CNN |date=24 April 2011 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124015957/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/tennis/04/24/nadal.barcelona.wozniacki.stuttgart/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He then lost to Novak Djokovic in the finals of the Italian Open and Madrid Open, which ended his 37-match winning streak on clay.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/may/15/novak-djokovic-rafael-nadal-rome%7Ctitle=Novak Djokovic rolls on with defeat of Rafael Nadal in Rome final|date=15 May 2011|work=The Guardian|access-date=7 June 2011|first=Kevin|last=Mitchell|archive-date=23 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323034047/http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/may/15/novak-djokovic-rafael-nadal-rome%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> However, Nadal retained his No. 1 ranking during the clay-court season and won his sixth French Open title by defeating Roger Federer.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/french11/news/story?id=6628276%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal wins sixth French Open|date=6 June 2011|publisher=ESPN|access-date=7 June 2011|archive-date=8 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608043957/http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/french11/news/story?id=6628276%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

At Wimbledon, Nadal faced Novak Djokovic in the final. Djokovic's victory in the semi-finals meant that he was going to replace Nadal as the world No. 1 at the end of the tournament, regardless of the result at the final, which Nadal lost in four sets. This was Nadal's first defeat at Wimbledon since the 2007 final and ended his 20-match winning streak there.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jul/03/novak-djokovic-rafael-nadal-wimbledon-final |title=Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal to win Wimbledon men's title |website=www.theguardian.com |date=3 July 2011 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124020005/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jul/03/novak-djokovic-rafael-nadal-wimbledon-final |url-status=live }}</ref> After resting for a month from a foot injury sustained during Wimbledon, he entered the Canadian Open and lost a deciding set tiebreaker to No. 41 Ivan Dodig in the quarterfinals.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/aug/12/ivan-dodig-rafael-nadal-montreal |title=Ivan Dodig of Croatia shocks Rafael Nadal in Montreal Rogers Cup |website=www.theguardian.com |date=12 August 2011 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124015959/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/aug/12/ivan-dodig-rafael-nadal-montreal |url-status=live }}</ref> At Cincinnati, he defeated Fernando Verdasco in a third round clash that lasted three hours and 38 minutes with three tiebreaks. This was the fifth time that Nadal played in a three tiebreak match, winning all five.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-tennis-men-cincinnati-idUKTRE77H6OA20110819/ |title=Nadal scrapes into Cincinnati quarters |website=www.reuters.com |date=19 August 2011 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124015957/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-tennis-men-cincinnati-idUKTRE77H6OA20110819/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the quarterfinals, Nadal was hampered by burns to his right hand after an accident at a Japanese restaurant and lost to Mardy Fish in straight sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/106700.html |title=Suffering Nadal surprised by Fish as Federer also loses |website=en.espn.co.uk |date=19 August 2011 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124020003/http://en.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/106700.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

After defeating David Nalbandian in the fourth round of the US Open, Nadal collapsed in his post-match press conference due to severe cramps.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/14783093.stm | publisher=BBC News | title=Nadal collapses in front of media | date=4 September 2011 | access-date=5 September 2011 | archive-date=8 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308175009/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/14783093.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal then played Djokovic in their second successive major final, losing the match in four sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2011-us-open-novak-djokovic-overcomes-back-pain-rafael-nadal-to-win-marathon-match/2011/09/12/gIQAHeD7NK_story.html |title=2011 U.S. Open: Novak Djokovic overcomes back pain, Rafael Nadal to win marathon match |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=12 September 2011 |access-date=24 November 2023}}</ref> Nadal reached the final of the Japan Open, where he was defeated by Andy Murray.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/oct/09/andy-murray-stuns-rafael-nadal |title=Andy Murray stuns Rafael Nadal to win Japan Open |website=www.theguardian.com |date=9 October 2011 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124020001/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/oct/09/andy-murray-stuns-rafael-nadal |url-status=live }}</ref> At Shanghai, he was upset in the third round by No. 23 ranked Florian Mayer. At the ATP Finals, Nadal was defeated by Roger Federer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the round-robin stage, and was eliminated from the tournament.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/nov/25/rafael-nadal-jo-wilfried-tsonga |title=Rafael Nadal feels pain as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga knocks him out of ATP finals |website=www.theguardian.com |date=25 November 2011 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106105615/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/nov/25/rafael-nadal-jo-wilfried-tsonga |url-status=live }}</ref> In the Davis Cup final in December, he helped Spain win the title with victories over Juan Mónaco and Juan Martín del Potro.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.daviscup.com/en/home.aspx |title=Davis Cup site |publisher=Daviscup.com |access-date=8 June 2012 |archive-date=8 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608021306/http://www.daviscup.com/en/home.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

2012: Seventh French Open title

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

At Qatar Open, Nadal lost to Gaël Monfils in the semi-finals.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/7432286/gael-monfils-upends-rafael-nadal-qatar-open-semifinals-jo-wilfried-tsonga-next |title=Gael Monfils upends Rafael Nadal in Qatar Open semifinals |website=www.espn.co.uk |date=6 January 2012 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124015957/https://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/7432286/gael-monfils-upends-rafael-nadal-qatar-open-semifinals-jo-wilfried-tsonga-next |url-status=live }}</ref> At the Australian Open, Nadal won his semi-final match against Roger Federer to set up a third successive major final against Novak Djokovic, which he lost in a five-set epic that lasted 5 hours and 53 minutes, the longest Grand Slam final match (by duration) in history.<ref name="AOfinal">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://espn.go.com/tennis/aus12/story/_/id/7515950/2012-australian-open-novak-djokovic-outlasts-rafael-nadal-longest-grand-slam-final%7Ctitle=Longest Men's Singles Championship Final|date=30 January 2012|publisher=ESPN Sports}}</ref> It is considered to be one of the greatest tennis matches of all time.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.pedestrian.tv/style/mens-australian-open-final-hailed-as-best-match-in-tennis-history/ |title=Men's Australian Open Final Hailed as Best Match in Tennis History |website=www.pedestrian.tv |date=30 January 2012 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829233846/https://www.pedestrian.tv/style/mens-australian-open-final-hailed-as-best-match-in-tennis-history/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Eckstein |first=Jeremy |date=17 February 2012 |title=Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal: Why Aussie Open Final Is Greatest Match Ever |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1069718-novak-djokovic-vs-rafael-nadal-why-aussie-open-final-is-greatest-match-ever |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |archive-date=11 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511131548/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1069718-novak-djokovic-vs-rafael-nadal-why-aussie-open-final-is-greatest-match-ever |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Tignor |first=Steve |date=5 December 2019 |title=Men's Match of the Decade No. 2: Djokovic d. Nadal, 2012 Aussie Open |url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/men-s-match-of-the-decade-no-2-djokovic-d-nadal-2012-aussie-open |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=Tennis.com |archive-date=6 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606203133/https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/men-s-match-of-the-decade-no-2-djokovic-d-nadal-2012-aussie-open |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Tignor |first=Steve |date=28 June 2023 |title=Moment 6: At 1:37 a.m., Djokovic topples Nadal in grandiose, grunt-filled Australian Open epic |url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/moment-6-1-37-a-m-djokovic-topples-nadal-grandiose-grunt-filled-australian-open |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=Tennis.com |archive-date=28 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828003613/https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/moment-6-1-37-a-m-djokovic-topples-nadal-grandiose-grunt-filled-australian-open |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the longest match of both Nadal and Djokovic's careers, and was the only time that Nadal lost a major final after winning the first set.<ref name=12AOfinal>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/djokovic-nadal-australian-open-2012-final |title=Novak Djokovic Beats Rafael Nadal In Epic 2012 Australian Open Final |website=ATP Tour |date=29 January 2012 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=27 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827230401/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/djokovic-nadal-australian-open-2012-final |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal called it "one of the toughest moments in my career".<ref name=":aus2012cnn">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Nadal then reached the semi-finals of both the Indian Wells, where he was beaten by Federer, and Miami, where he withdrew because of knee problems.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/143671.html |title=Nadal withdrawal puts Murray into Miami final |website=en.espn.co.uk |date=30 March 2012 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124015959/http://en.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/143671.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At Monte Carlo, Nadal did not lose a set en route to the title to become the first man in the Open Era to win the same tournament eight consecutive times. In the final, he defeated No. 1 Novak Djokovic to end a streak of seven straight final losses to him.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This was the most lopsided of all their matches, as Nadal only lost four games.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2020/04/11/big-3-victories-nadal-djokovic-monte-carlo-2012/ |title=Most Dominant Big 3 Victories: Nadal Def. Djokovic, Monte Carlo 2012 |website=lastwordonsports.com |date=11 April 2020 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124015959/https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2020/04/11/big-3-victories-nadal-djokovic-monte-carlo-2012/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal then beat David Ferrer in a three-set final to clinch his seventh title in eight years at Barcelona.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://eu.theledger.com/story/news/2012/04/30/nadal-beats-ferrer-for-7th-barcelona-open-win/26574245007/ |title=Nadal beats Ferrer for 7th Barcelona Open win |website=eu.theledger.com |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130055100/https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2012/04/30/nadal-beats-ferrer-for-7th-barcelona-open-win/26574245007/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At Madrid, Nadal lost to Fernando Verdasco, whom he held a 13–0 record against. He criticized the new blue clay and threatened to skip future events if the surface wasn't changed back to red clay, a sentiment echoed by several players, including Novak Djokovic.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.incyprus.com.cy/en-gb/tennis/4172/27612/stars-not-happy-with-madrid |title=Stars not happy with Madrid |publisher=Incyprus.com.cy |date=11 May 2012 |access-date=24 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123032140/http://www.incyprus.com.cy/en-gb/tennis/4172/27612/stars-not-happy-with-madrid |archive-date=23 November 2012 }}</ref> He beat Djokovic in a tight straight-set final at the Italian Open.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/may/21/rafael-nadal-novak-djokovic-rome-masters |title=Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic in straight sets at Rome Masters |website=www.theguardian.com |date=21 May 2012 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124015959/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/may/21/rafael-nadal-novak-djokovic-rome-masters |url-status=live }}</ref>

At the French Open, Nadal won his semi-final match against Ferrer to set up another final against Novak Djokovic. This marked only the second time in tennis history (after Serena and Venus Williams between the 2002 French Open and the 2003 Australian Open), two players played four consecutive major singles finals against each other. After rain delays pushed the conclusion of the final into a second day, Nadal emerged victorious in four sets. Nadal became the most successful male player at the French Open (overtaking Borg) with seven titles.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCABRE85A0LW20120611?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true%7Ctitle=Nadal wins record seventh French Open|work=Reuters|first=Toby|last=Davis|date=11 June 2012|access-date=11 June 2012|archive-date=5 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105222136/http://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCABRE85A0LW20120611?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/french-open-2012/top-stories/Rafael-Nadal-beats-Novak-Djokovic-to-win-record-seventh-French-Open-title/articleshow/14026658.cms%7Ctitle= Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic to win record seventh French Open title|date= 11 June 2012|work= The Times of India|access-date= 11 June 2012|archive-date= 12 June 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120612115959/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/french-open-2012/top-stories/Rafael-Nadal-beats-Novak-Djokovic-to-win-record-seventh-French-Open-title/articleshow/14026658.cms%7Curl-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18395750%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic to win seventh French Open|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Mike|last=Henson|date=11 June 2012|access-date=11 June 2012|archive-date=3 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903130629/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18395750%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Nadal lost a total of only three sets in the 2012 clay court season.

As a warm-up ahead of Wimbledon, Nadal played in Halle, losing to Philipp Kohlschreiber in the quarterfinals.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/top-stories/Rafael-Nadal-bombs-out-in-quarterfinals-at-Halle/articleshow/14152923.cms%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal bombs out in quarterfinals at Halle|date=15 June 2012|work=The Times of India|access-date=15 June 2012|archive-date=27 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327192924/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/top-stories/Rafael-Nadal-bombs-out-in-quarterfinals-at-Halle/articleshow/14152923.cms%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> At Wimbledon, Nadal was upset in the second round by Lukáš Rosol in five sets. This was the first time since the 2005 Wimbledon championships that Nadal failed to pass the second round of a Grand Slam.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Rafael Nadal falls to shock Wimbledon defeat by Lukas Rosol|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18627648%7Caccess-date=28 June 2012|publisher=BBC News|date=28 June 2012|archive-date=24 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140624215701/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18627648%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

Nadal then ended his season early due to tendinitis in his knee.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/354475/Rafa-Nadal-withdraws-from-Paris-and-London-tournaments%7Ctitle=Nadal withdraws from Paris and London tournaments|date=26 October 2012|access-date=26 October 2012|archive-date=27 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027152603/http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/354475/Rafa-Nadal-withdraws-from-Paris-and-London-tournaments%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/news/tennis/2012/07/features/london-olympics-nadal-pulls-out-with-injury.aspx|title=Reigning Champion Nadal Withdraws From London Olympics|access-date=19 July 2012|archive-date=20 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720155509/http://www.atpworldtour.com/news/tennis/2012/07/features/london-olympics-nadal-pulls-out-with-injury.aspx%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Nadal ended 2012 ranked No. 4, the first time in eight years that he was not ranked 1st or 2nd at the end of the year.

2013: Two majors and return to No. 1

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

Nadal withdrew from Australian Open with a stomach virus<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| url=http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/8786752/rafael-nadal-pulls-australian-open-due-virus | title=Rafael Nadal out of Aussie Open | publisher=ESPN | date=28 December 2012 | access-date=29 December 2012 | archive-date=4 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304205116/http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/8786752/rafael-nadal-pulls-australian-open-due-virus | url-status=live }}</ref> and dropped out of the ATP Top 4 for the first time since 2005.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-01-28/nadal-out-of-top-four-serena-williams-rises-on-rankings |title=Nadal Out of Top Four, Serena Williams Rises on Rankings |date=28 January 2013 |work=Business Week |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708112152/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-01-28/nadal-out-of-top-four-serena-williams-rises-on-rankings |archive-date= 8 July 2013}}</ref> He returned at the VTR Open in Chile,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Clarke|first=Patrice|title=Rafael Nadal Smart to Make Long-Awaited Return on Clay at 2013 ATP VTR Open|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1506335-rafael-nadal-smart-to-make-long-awaited-return-on-clay-at-2013-atp-vtr-open%7Cpublisher=Bleacher Report|access-date=1 February 2013|archive-date=3 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203221709/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1506335-rafael-nadal-smart-to-make-long-awaited-return-on-clay-at-2013-atp-vtr-open%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> where he was upset by Argentine No. 73 Horacio Zeballos in the final. At the Brasil Open, Nadal beat David Nalbandian in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21036474 | title=Rafael Nadal to make comeback from knee injury at Brazil Open | publisher=BBC Sport | date=15 January 2013 | access-date=27 January 2013 | archive-date=9 February 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209224913/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21036474 | url-status=live }}</ref> In the final in Acapulco, Nadal defeated David Ferrer, losing just two games.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/21646612 |title=Rafael Nadal beats David Ferrer to win Mexican Open title in Acapulco |website=www.bbc.com |date=3 March 2013 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124015957/https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/21646612 |url-status=live }}</ref>

File:Rafael Nadal - Indian Wells 2013 - 019.jpg

Nadal serving at the Indian Wells Open in 2013.

At the Indian Wells, he lost only one set en route to the title, defeating Roger Federer, Tomáš Berdych and Juan Martín del Potro in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/csports-us-tennis-indian-men-idCABRE92G0L620130317/ |title=Comeback maestro Nadal wins at Indian Wells |website=www.reuters.com |date=18 March 2013 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124015959/https://www.reuters.com/article/csports-us-tennis-indian-men-idCABRE92G0L620130317/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal was beaten by Djokovic in straight sets in Monte Carlo to end his eight-year reign at the tournament.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-22/djokovic-dethrones-nadal-in-monte-carlo/4642428?section=sport |title=Djokovic dethrones Nadal in Monte Carlo |website=www.abc.net.au |date=21 April 2013 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124015957/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-22/djokovic-dethrones-nadal-in-monte-carlo/4642428?section=sport |url-status=live }}</ref> He then won his eighth title at Barcelona beating Nicolás Almagro in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1621617-barcelona-open-2013-rafael-nadal-defeats-nicolas-almagro-to-win-title |title=Barcelona Open 2013: Rafael Nadal Defeats Nicolas Almagro to Win Title |website=bleacherreport.com |date=28 April 2013 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124015957/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1621617-barcelona-open-2013-rafael-nadal-defeats-nicolas-almagro-to-win-title |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal went on to win Madrid, beating Stan Wawrinka in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/may/12/rafael-nadal-madrid-open-wawrinka |title=Rafael Nadal downs Stanislas Wawrinka in Madrid for fifth 2013 title |website=www.theguardian.com |date=12 May 2013 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124015957/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/may/12/rafael-nadal-madrid-open-wawrinka |url-status=live }}</ref> This was the 40th clay court title of his career, equal second in the Open Era with Thomas Muster. Nadal then overtook him when he beat Federer for his 7th title at the Italian Open.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/may/19/rafael-nadal-roger-federer-rome |title=Rafael Nadal crushes Roger Federer to show clay supremacy in Rome final |website=www.theguardian.com |date=19 May 2013 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124015957/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/may/19/rafael-nadal-roger-federer-rome |url-status=live }}</ref> These victories raised his ranking to No. 4.

Nadal won the French Open beating Novak Djokovic in the semi-final and David Ferrer in the final, breaking the record for the most match wins in the tournament with his 59th victory, surpassing the previous record held by Guillermo Vilas and Roger Federer.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/211505.html%7Ctitle=Ruthless Nadal breaks records at French Open|publisher=ESPN|date=9 June 2013|access-date=8 July 2016|archive-date=14 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914165513/http://en.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/211505.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Nadal also became the first man in history to win any major eight times, and tied Roy Emerson for the third-most major titles in history.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2013-06/10/content_16602133.htm |title=Nadal beats Ferrer for record 8th French Open win |website=www.chinadaily.com.cn |date=10 June 2013 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=7 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707000016/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2013-06/10/content_16602133.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> His semi-final match against Djokovic has been called one of the greatest clay court matches ever, with Nadal rallying from a break down in the fifth set to win after 4 hours and 37 minutes.<ref name=century>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://tennishead.net/the-10-best-french-open-mens-matches-of-the-century-nadal-djokovic-semi-final-2013/ |title=The 10 best French Open men's matches of the century: Nadal-Djokovic, semi-final, 2013 |website=tennishead.net |date=16 September 2020 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=27 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827155420/https://tennishead.net/the-10-best-french-open-mens-matches-of-the-century-nadal-djokovic-semi-final-2013/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This was only the second time Nadal had been pushed to five sets at the French Open (the first was against John Isner in the first round in 2011).<ref name=":fre2013nyt">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This victory meant that since returning from seven months out due to injury, Nadal had reached eight consecutive finals, won 7 titles, and compiled a 43–2 record in 2013. However, Nadal then lost his first-round match at Wimbledon in straight sets to Steve Darcis, his first loss in the first round of a major. At the time, he was the lowest-ranked player ever to beat Nadal in a Grand Slam tournament.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jun/24/rafael-nadal-steve-darcis-wimbledon-2013 |title=Rafael Nadal knocked out of Wimbledon by Belgian Steve Darcis |work=The Guardian |date=25 June 2013 |access-date=24 November 2013 |archive-date=10 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110010929/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jun/24/rafael-nadal-steve-darcis-wimbledon-2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August, Nadal won a close semi-final match in Montreal against Djokovic<ref name="CO2013">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2013/08/32/Montreal-Saturday-Djokovic-Nadal.aspx |title=Nadal Edges Djokovic In Montreal Thriller, Faces Raonic in Final |publisher=ATP World Tour |date=30 September 2011 |access-date=31 July 2014 |archive-date=21 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421211726/http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2013/08/32/Montreal-Saturday-Djokovic-Nadal.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> and won the final over Milos Raonic in straight sets.<ref name="TGaM">{{#invoke:Cite|news|author=Canada |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/more-sports/rafael-nadal-dominates-milos-raonic-in-rogers-cup-final/article13704194/ |title=Rafael Nadal dominates Milos Raonic in Rogers Cup final |work=The Globe and Mail |date=11 August 2013 |access-date=31 July 2014 |archive-date=25 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925214151/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/more-sports/rafael-nadal-dominates-milos-raonic-in-rogers-cup-final/article13704194/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He won his 26th Masters title in Cincinnati beating John Isner in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Rafael Nadal beats John Isner to win Cincinnati Open |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/23748310 |access-date=15 October 2018 |work=BBC Sport |date=18 August 2013 |archive-date=28 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128044148/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/23748310 |url-status=live }}</ref> He won his 4th hard court title of the year, defeating Djokovic in the US Open final in four sets to achieve the Summer Slam and clinch the US Open Series. He became only the third player in history, after Patrick Rafter and Andy Roddick, to win all three events in succession.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Newbery |first=Piers |title=Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic to win second US Open title |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/24027678 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 September 2013 |access-date=19 July 2014 |archive-date=18 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818233748/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/24027678 |url-status=live }}</ref> This granted him $3.6 million in prize money, the most money earned by a male tennis player at a single tournament.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Not the real prizemoney: Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams lament tax impact on record purse |url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/not-the-real-prizemoney-rafael-nadal-and-serena-williams-lament-tax-impact-on-record-purse-20130910-2thqc.html |access-date=19 July 2014 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=10 September 2013 |archive-date=13 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913140759/http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/not-the-real-prizemoney-rafael-nadal-and-serena-williams-lament-tax-impact-on-record-purse-20130910-2thqc.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Nadal helped Spain secure a Davis Cup World Group place for 2014, beating Sergiy Stakhovsky and winning a doubles win with Marc Lopez. In October, he reached the final of the China Open and regained the No. 1 ranking.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Rafael Nadal reaches China Open final to become world number one |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/24409808 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 October 2013 |access-date=10 June 2014 |archive-date=9 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009042818/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/24409808 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the final, he was beaten by Djokovic in straight sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal in China Open final |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/24418035 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 October 2013 |access-date=10 June 2014 |archive-date=1 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001025306/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/24418035 |url-status=live }}</ref> He lost in the Shanghai semis to Del Potro. In November, at the ATP Finals in London, he secured the year-end No. 1. He beat David Ferrer, Stan Wawrinka, and Tomáš Berdych in the round-robin and Roger Federer in the semis before losing in straight sets to Djokovic in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/11/novak-djokovic-rafael-nadal-world-tour-finals |title=Djokovic denies Nadal last word in the World Tour Finals |work=The Guardian |date=12 November 2013 |access-date=24 November 2013 |archive-date=18 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131118081333/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/11/novak-djokovic-rafael-nadal-world-tour-finals |url-status=live }}</ref>

2014: Ninth French Open title and sustained injuries

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

At the Qatar Open, Nadal won the title beating Gaël Monfils in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Rafael Nadal beats Gael Monfils to win Qatar title |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/25606655 |access-date=19 July 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 January 2014 |archive-date=13 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113222623/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/25606655 |url-status=live }}</ref> At the Australian Open, he defeated Roger Federer to reach his third Australian Open final. In the final, he faced Stanislas Wawrinka, against whom he entered the match with a 12–0 record. However, Nadal suffered a back injury during the warm-up, which progressively worsened as the match wore on.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/sports/tennis/australian-open-2014-rafael-nadal-sorry-to-finish-this-way-as-injury-jinx-strikes-again-at-his-unlucky-slam%7Ctitle=Australian Open 2014: Rafael Nadal "sorry to finish this way" as injury jinx strikes again at his unlucky slam|date=26 January 2014|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-date=8 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108233422/https://nationalpost.com/category/news/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Nadal lost the first two sets, and although he won the third set, he lost the match in four sets. At the inaugural Rio Open he beat Alexandr Dolgopolov in the final. However, at the Indian Wells Open, Dolgopolov would avenge his loss, defeating Nadal in three sets in the third round. He reached the final of the Miami Masters, losing to Novak Djokovic in straight sets.

Nadal began his clay court season with a quarterfinal loss to David Ferrer at Monte Carlo. He was stunned by Nicolas Almagro in the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open. Nadal then won his 27th masters title at Madrid after Kei Nishikori retired in the third set of the final.<ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Rafael Nadal wins Madrid Masters after Kei Nishikori retires |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/27368033 |work=BBC Sport |date=11 May 2014 |access-date=24 June 2014 |archive-date=21 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521110515/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/27368033 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic in the Men's Singles French Open final to win his 9th French Open title and a 5th straight win. Nadal equaled Pete Sampras' total of 14 Grand Slam wins.<ref name="2014 French open">{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Newbery |first1=Piers |title=Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic to win ninth French Open title |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/tennis/27753534 |date=8 June 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=12 February 2018 |archive-date=24 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024201616/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/tennis/27753534 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal then lost in the second round of Halle to Dustin Brown.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/11070600/rafael-nadal-falls-halle-1st-match-french |title=Rafael Nadal ousted in Halle |date=12 June 2014 |access-date=14 June 2014 |publisher=ESPN |archive-date=14 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140614045330/http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/11070600/rafael-nadal-falls-halle-1st-match-french |url-status=live }}</ref>

At the Wimbledon Championships he was upset by Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios in four sets in the fourth round.<ref name="Wimbledon 2014">{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Newbery |first1=Piers |title=Rafael Nadal beaten by Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/tennis/28118239 |date=1 July 2014 |access-date=1 July 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=1 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701215606/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/tennis/28118239 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal withdrew from the American swing owing to a wrist injury.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/08/34/US-Open-Nadal-Withdraws.aspx%7Ctitle=Nadal Withdraws From US Open|access-date=5 June 2015|archive-date=24 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624155608/http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/08/34/US-Open-Nadal-Withdraws.aspx%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> He made his return at the 2014 China Open but was defeated in the quarterfinals by Martin Klizan in three sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/09/40/Beijing-Friday-Nadal-Klizan-Berdych-Isner.aspx%7Ctitle=Klizan Stuns Nadal To Set Berdych SF Clash|access-date=5 June 2015|archive-date=17 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717050827/http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/09/40/Beijing-Friday-Nadal-Klizan-Berdych-Isner.aspx%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> At Shanghai, he was suffering from appendicitis and lost his first match to Feliciano Lopez in straight sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/10/41/Shanghai-Wednesday-Nadal-Lopez-Isner.aspx%7Ctitle=Lopez Takes His Chance Against Nadal|access-date=5 June 2015|archive-date=17 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717050839/http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/10/41/Shanghai-Wednesday-Nadal-Lopez-Isner.aspx%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> He was upset by Borna Ćorić at the quarterfinals of the 2014 Swiss Indoors. He skipped the rest of the season to undergo surgery for his appendix.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/29755595%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal: 14-time Grand Slam winner confirms his season is over|work=BBC Sport|date=24 October 2014 |access-date=5 June 2015|archive-date=1 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101220927/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/29755595?%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

2015: Continued struggles and rankings drop

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

At Qatar Open, Nadal lost in three set to Michael Berrer in round one.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/30702154 |title=Rafael Nadal suffers shock defeat by Michael Berrer in Doha |date=6 January 2015 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=12 February 2018 |archive-date=6 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406073115/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/30702154 |url-status=live }}</ref> He won the doubles title with Juan Mónaco. At the Australian Open, Nadal lost in straight sets to Tomáš Berdych in the quarterfinal, ending a 17-match winning streak against the seventh-seeded Czech.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Newbery |first=Piers |title=Rafael Nadal beaten by Tomas Berdych at Australian Open |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/30996172 |access-date=24 May 2015 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 January 2015 |archive-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707074553/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/30996172 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In February, Nadal lost in the semi-finals to Fabio Fognini at the Rio Open,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web| url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2015/02/7/Rio-Saturday-Fognini-Nadal.aspx%7C title=Rio Stunner! Fognini Hands Nadal First SF Loss On Clay In 12 Years| access-date=5 June 2015| archive-date=11 May 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511141206/http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2015/02/7/Rio-Saturday-Fognini-Nadal.aspx%7C url-status=live}}</ref> before winning his 46th career clay-court title against Juan Mónaco at the Argentina Open.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/31687217 |title=Rafael Nadal: Argentina Open win equals clay-court title record |date=1 March 2015 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=12 February 2018 |archive-date=3 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303214740/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/31687217? |url-status=live }}</ref> At Indian Wells and Miami he suffered early defeats to Milos Raonic and Fernando Verdasco, in the quarterfinals and third round respectively.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web| url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2015/03/11/Indian-Wells-Friday-Nadal-Raonic.aspx%7C title=Raonic Saves 3 M.P. To Upset Nadal In Indian Wells| access-date=5 June 2015| archive-date=12 May 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512032901/http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2015/03/11/Indian-Wells-Friday-Nadal-Raonic.aspx%7C url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web| url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/29/rafael-nadal-shocked-by-fernando-verdasco-at-miami-open%7C title=Rafael Nadal shocked by Fernando Verdasco at Miami Open| website=TheGuardian.com| date=29 March 2015| access-date=5 June 2015| archive-date=6 June 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606075809/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/29/rafael-nadal-shocked-by-fernando-verdasco-at-miami-open%7C url-status=live}}</ref> At Monte Carlo he lost to Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the semi finals,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/32366547%7C title=Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal to reach Monte Carlo Open final| work=BBC Sport| date=18 April 2015| access-date=5 June 2015| archive-date=23 April 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423045611/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/32366547%7C url-status=live}}</ref> at Barcelona he lost to Fognini in the quarterfinals<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/rafaelnadal/11559875/Rafael-Nadal-loses-in-straight-sets-to-Fabio-Fognini-in-Barcelona-as-King-of-Clay-is-dethroned-once-again.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/rafaelnadal/11559875/Rafael-Nadal-loses-in-straight-sets-to-Fabio-Fognini-in-Barcelona-as-King-of-Clay-is-dethroned-once-again.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live| title=Rafael Nadal loses in straight sets to Fabio Fognini in Barcelona as "King of Clay" is dethroned once again|date=23 April 2015 | access-date=5 June 2015}}Template:Cbignore</ref> and at Madrid he lost the final to Andy Murray in straight sets, resulting in his dropping out of the top five for the first time since 2005.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/32683988%7C title=Andy Murray beats Rafael Nadal to win Madrid Masters final| work=BBC Sport| date=10 May 2015| access-date=5 June 2015| archive-date=23 June 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623225106/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/32683988%7C url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web| url=http://www.tennisnow.com/News/2015/May/Nadal-Falls-Outside-Top-5-for-First-Time-in-a-Deca.aspx%7C title=Nadal falls outside Top 5 for the First Time in a Decade| access-date=5 June 2015| archive-date=19 May 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519210415/http://www.tennisnow.com/News/2015/May/Nadal-Falls-Outside-Top-5-for-First-Time-in-a-Deca.aspx%7C url-status=live}}</ref> He lost in the quarterfinals of Rome to Stan Wawrinka in straight sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web| url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2015/05/19/Rome-Friday-Nadal-Wawrinka.aspx%7C title=Wawrinka Denies Nadal In Rome To Set Federer Clash| access-date=5 June 2015| archive-date=19 May 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519025032/http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2015/05/19/Rome-Friday-Nadal-Wawrinka.aspx?%7C url-status=live}}</ref>

Nadal lost to Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the French Open, ending his winning streak of 39 consecutive victories in Paris since his 2009 defeat by Robin Söderling.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/32995310%7C title=Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal in French Open quarter-finals| work=BBC Sport| date=3 June 2015| access-date=5 June 2015| archive-date=5 June 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605194226/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/32995310%7C url-status=live}}</ref> Nadal went on to win the 2015 Mercedes Cup against Serbian Viktor Troicki, his first grass court title since he won at Wimbledon in 2010.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/stuttgart-2015-final-nadal-troicki%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617162355/http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/stuttgart-2015-final-nadal-troicki%7Ctitle=Nadal Reigns In Stuttgart|publisher=ATP Tour, Inc.|date=13 June 2015|archive-date=17 June 2015|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref> He lost in the first round of the Aegon Championships to Alexandr Dolgopolov in three sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|first=Piers|last=Newbery|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/tennis/33150858%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616152706/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/tennis/33150858%7Ctitle=Queen's: Rafael Nadal knocked out by Alexandr Dolgopolov|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 June 2015|archive-date=16 June 2015|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref> He lost in the second round of Wimbledon to Dustin Brown.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Wimbledon 2015: Rafael Nadal beaten by Dustin Brown |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/33371484 |access-date=5 July 2015 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 July 2015 |archive-date=4 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704232511/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/33371484 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the third round of the 2015 US Open, Nadal again lost to Fognini, despite an early two set lead.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Italian Fabio Fognini wins a late-night epic at the US Open|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/fognini-stuns-nadal-at-us-open-2015%7Caccess-date=5 September 2015|work=ATP Tour|date=5 September 2015|archive-date=6 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906132618/http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/fognini-stuns-nadal-at-us-open-2015%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> This early exit ended Nadal's record 10-year streak of winning at least one Grand Slam.

2016: Olympic doubles gold medal

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

Nadal lost to Djokovic in straight sets in the final in Doha. This was their 47th match, after which Djokovic led their head-to-head with 24 matches won. At the Australian Open, Nadal lost in five sets to Fernando Verdasco in round one (his first opening round exit at the Australian Open).<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-19/rafael-nadal-crashes-out-of-australian-open/7098508?section=sport%7Ctitle=Australian Open: Rafael Nadal loses to Fernando Verdasco in first round at Melbourne Park|publisher=ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)|date=19 January 2016|access-date=19 January 2016|archive-date=19 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119204716/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-19/rafael-nadal-crashes-out-of-australian-open/7098508?section=sport%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

File:Thomaz Bellucci perde para o espanhol Rafael Nadal (28655794820).jpg

Nadal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

In April he won his 28th Masters title in Monte Carlo.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-monfils-monte-carlo-2016-final%7Ctitle=Nadal Beats Monfils, Wins Ninth Monte-Carlo Title|publisher=ATP World Tour|date=17 April 2016|access-date=3 May 2016|archive-date=21 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421101858/http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-monfils-monte-carlo-2016-final%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> He won his 17th ATP 500 in Barcelona, winning the trophy for the ninth time in his career.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-beats-nishikori-for-barcelona-2016-title%7Ctitle=Nadal Notches Record-Tying 49th Clay-Court Title In Barcelona|publisher=ATP World Tour|date=24 April 2016|access-date=3 May 2016|archive-date=4 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504230004/http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-beats-nishikori-for-barcelona-2016-title%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> At Madrid, he lost to Murray in the semi-final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.eurosport.com/tennis/andy-murray-beats-rafa-nadal-in-madrid-semi-final_sto5563306/story.shtml%7Ctitle=Andy Murray beats Rafa Nadal despite awful troubles with serve in Madrid Masters semi-final|date=7 May 2016|access-date=16 May 2016|archive-date=8 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108233505/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> At Italian Open he lost in the quarterfinals to Djokovic in straight sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2016/may/13/novak-djokovic-v-rafael-nadal-rome-masters-live%7Ctitle=Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal at the Rome Masters – as it happened|work=The Guardian|date=13 May 2016|access-date=27 May 2016|archive-date=21 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521175517/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2016/may/13/novak-djokovic-v-rafael-nadal-rome-masters-live%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

At the French Open, he became the eighth male player in tennis history to record 200 Grand Slam match wins when he won his second round match.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-bagnis-berdych-roland-garros-2016-thursday%7Ctitle=Nadal Records 200th Grand Slam Match Win|publisher=ATP World Tour|date=26 May 2016|access-date=27 May 2016|archive-date=29 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529101147/http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-bagnis-berdych-roland-garros-2016-thursday%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Following the victory, Nadal had to withdraw from competition owing to a left wrist injury initially suffered during the Madrid Open,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/27/rafael-nadal-pulls-out-french-open-wrist-injury%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal pulls out of French Open with wrist problem before third round|first=Kevin Mitchell at Roland|last=Garros|date=27 May 2016|work=The Guardian|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-date=1 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170601125500/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/27/rafael-nadal-pulls-out-french-open-wrist-injury%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> handing Marcel Granollers a walkover into the fourth round.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/36401280%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal pulls out of French Open with wrist injury|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 May 2016|access-date=27 May 2016|archive-date=30 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530020129/http://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/36401280?%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The same wrist injury forced him to withdraw from the 2016 Wimbledon Championships.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/10/sports/tennis/rafael-nadal-wimbledon-withdrawal.html%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal Withdraws From Wimbledon|work=The New York Times|date=9 June 2016|access-date=1 July 2019|archive-date=2 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702033840/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/10/sports/tennis/rafael-nadal-wimbledon-withdrawal.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> At the Rio 2016 Olympics, Nadal achieved 800 career wins with his quarterfinal victory over the Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci. Partnering Marc López, he won the gold medal in men's doubles event for Spain by defeating Romania's Florin Mergea and Horia Tecau in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This made Nadal the second man in the Open Era to have won gold medals in both singles and doubles. Nadal lost the bronze medal match in men's singles to Kei Nishikori.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

At the US Open Nadal advanced to the fourth round but was defeated by 24th seed Lucas Pouille in 5 sets. The defeat meant that 2016 was the first year since 2004 in which Nadal had failed to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=US Open 2016: Lucas Pouille beats Rafael Nadal in five sets|work=BBC Sport |date=4 September 2016 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/37272842%7Caccess-date=5 September 2016|archive-date=7 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907171806/http://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/37272842%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> After losing in the second round of the Shanghai Masters, he ended his 2016 season.

2017: La Décima, third US Open title, and year-end No. 1

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

At Brisbane International Nadal lost to Milos Raonic in three sets in the quarterfinals.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Nadal to make Brisbane debut|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-signs-on-for-brisbane-2017%7Cwork=ATP World Tour|date=23 August 2016|access-date=2 December 2016|archive-date=2 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202171625/http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-signs-on-for-brisbane-2017%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Nadal began the Australian Open with straight-set wins over Florian Mayer and Marcos Baghdatis, before more difficult wins over Alexander Zverev and Gaël Monfils, to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal since the 2015 French Open. Nadal beat Raonic and Grigor Dimitrov (the latter lasting for five sets over five hours), to set up a final against Roger Federer, his first Grand Slam final since he won the 2014 French Open. Nadal lost to Federer in five sets; the first time that Nadal had lost to Federer in a Grand Slam since the final of the 2007 Wimbledon Championships.

At Acapulco lost to Sam Querrey in the final. Nadal lost to Federer in straight sets in the fourth round at Indian Wells and the Miami final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atptour.com/en/video/nadal-talks-about-reaching-fifth-miami-final%7Ctitle=Nadal Talks About Reaching Fifth Miami Final Template:Pipe ATP Tour Template:Pipe Tennis|website=ATP Tour|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=7 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807082624/https://www.atptour.com/en/video/nadal-talks-about-reaching-fifth-miami-final%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Nadal then won his 29th Masters title in Monte Carlo; his tenth title, the most wins by any player at a single tournament in the Open Era.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/39686964%7Ctitle=Monte Carlo Masters: Rafael Nadal beats Albert Ramos-Vinolas for record 10th title|date=23 April 2017|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=12 February 2018|archive-date=23 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523224227/http://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/39686964%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Nadal won Barcelona without dropping a set (his 10th title).<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/barcelona-2017-final-nadal-thiem%7Ctitle=Nadal Notches 10th Barcelona Title – ATP World Tour – Tennis|date=30 April 2017|access-date=30 April 2017|archive-date=1 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501142648/http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/barcelona-2017-final-nadal-thiem%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> At Madrid, he beat Dominic Thiem to tie Novak Djokovic's all-time Masters record of 30 titles.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-thiem-madrid-2017-sunday-final%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal Beats Dominic Thiem To Win Mutua Madrid Open Title Template:Pipe ATP Tour Template:Pipe Tennis|website=ATP Tour|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=7 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807082626/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-thiem-madrid-2017-sunday-final%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

Nadal beat Stan Wawrinka in straight sets to win a record tenth French Open title. This marked his first Grand Slam title since 2014.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/815701/French-Open-2017-Final-LIVE-Stan-Wawrinka-Rafael-Nadal-updates-latest-tennis-news%7Ctitle=French Open 2017 Final AS IT HAPPENED: Rafael Nadal beats Stan Wawrinka in stunning win|first=James|last=Gray|date=11 June 2017|access-date=11 June 2017|archive-date=12 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612090913/http://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/815701/French-Open-2017-Final-LIVE-Stan-Wawrinka-Rafael-Nadal-updates-latest-tennis-news%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Nadal won every set that he played in the tournament, dropping a total of only 35 games in seven matches, which is the second-fewest by any male player en route to a major title in the Open Era. The title "La Décima" ("the tenth" in Spanish) was used to proclaim Nadal's achievement in becoming the first player to win 10 titles at a single major in the Open Era. Nadal also climbed to second on the all-time major singles titles list, with 15, placing him one ahead of Pete Sampras.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Nadal dominant in winning 10th French Open title|work=ATP World Tour |url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-wawrinka-roland-garros-2017-final-report%7Cpublisher=ATP%7Caccess-date=11 June 2017|archive-date=14 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614101134/http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-wawrinka-roland-garros-2017-final-report%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

Nadal lost in the round of 16 at Wimbledon, 13–15 in the fifth set, to Gilles Müller.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2720777-rafael-nadal-shocked-by-gilles-muller-in-5-set-thriller-at-2017-wimbledon%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal Shocked by Gilles Muller in 5-Set Thriller at 2017 Wimbledon|first=Tom|last=Sunderland|website=bleacherreport.com|access-date=10 September 2017|archive-date=4 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004090209/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2720777-rafael-nadal-shocked-by-gilles-muller-in-5-set-thriller-at-2017-wimbledon%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

In August he retook the ATP No. 1 ranking from Andy Murray. Nadal earned his third US Open title against Kevin Anderson, winning the final in straight sets. This marked the first time that Nadal had captured two Grand Slam tournaments in a year since 2013. Nadal extended his winning streak by winning the China Open, beating Nick Kyrgios in straight sets in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Nadal Storms To 75th Career Title In Beijing|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/beijing-2017-final-nadal-kyrgios%7Cwork=ATP|date=8 October 2017|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> On 11 September 2017, Nadal and Garbiñe Muguruza made Spain the first country since the United States 14 years earlier to simultaneously top both the ATP and the WTA rankings.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/tennis/garbine-muguruza-joins-rafael-nadal-as-world-no-1-4839088/%7Ctitle=Garbine Muguruza joins Rafael Nadal as world No 1|date=11 September 2017|work=The Indian Express|access-date=26 September 2017|archive-date=27 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927052532/http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/tennis/garbine-muguruza-joins-rafael-nadal-as-world-no-1-4839088/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

After defeating Hyeon Chung in the second round of the Paris Masters Nadal secured the year-end No. 1. He became year-end No. 1 for the fourth time in his career, tying him for fourth all-time with Novak Djokovic, Ivan Lendl and John McEnroe, behind Pete Sampras (6), and Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors (5). He became the first player aged over 30 to finish as year-end No. 1 and the first to finish in the top spot four years since he last achieved the feat; he also broke a number of other historical records, all of which he broke again in 2019.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-clinches-2017-year-end-no-1-emirates-atp-rankings%7Ctitle=Nadal Clinches Year-End No. 1 Emirates ATP Ranking For Fourth Time Template:Pipe ATP Tour Template:Pipe Tennis|website=ATP Tour|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=7 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807082629/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-clinches-2017-year-end-no-1-emirates-atp-rankings%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

2018: 11th French Open and Monte Carlo titles

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

At the Australian Open, Nadal retired in the fifth set of his quarterfinal against Marin Čilić due to a hip injury.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Imhoff|first=Dan|title=Cilic back in semis after Nadal's retirement|url=https://ausopen.com/articles/match-report/cilic-back-semis-after-nadals-retirement%7Cwork=ausopen.com%7Cdate=23 January 2018|access-date=23 January 2018|archive-date=24 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124031724/https://ausopen.com/articles/match-report/cilic-back-semis-after-nadals-retirement%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

File:Rafael Nadal (33024239518).jpg

Nadal serving at the 2018 US Open.

On 16 February, Nadal dropped to the No. 2 ranking after 26 weeks at the top when Roger Federer overtook him. Nadal was then sidelined with an injury. He regained the No. 1 ranking on 2 April due to Federer's second-round Miami loss. After recovering from injury, Nadal helped secure the Spain Davis Cup team a victory over Germany in the quarterfinal. He beat Philipp Kohlschreiber and Alexander Zverev.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| title=Davis Cup: Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer put Spain into semi-finals | publisher=BBC Sport | date=8 April 2018 | url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/43692749 | access-date=1 July 2019 | archive-date=19 June 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619024632/https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/43692749 | url-status=live }}</ref>

Nadal won his 11th Monte Carlo title without losing a set (beating Kei Nishikori in the final, a then-record-breaking 31st Masters title).<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Nadal Clinches La Undécima|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-nishikori-monte-carlo-2018-sunday%7Cdate=22 April 2018|access-date=2 January 2023|website=ATP Tour|archive-date=2 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102025024/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-nishikori-monte-carlo-2018-sunday%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> He won his 11th title in Barcelona, beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets, becoming the first player in the Open Era to win 400 matches on clay and hard.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Rafa Romps To 11th Barcelona Title|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/barcelona-2018-final-nadal-tsitsipas%7Cdate=29 April 2018|access-date=2 January 2023|website=ATP Tour|archive-date=2 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102025025/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/barcelona-2018-final-nadal-tsitsipas%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Tribute: Rafael Nadal Records 400th Match Win On Clay Courts|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-400-clay-court-match-wins-tribute%7Cdate=29 April 2018|access-date=2 January 2023|website=ATP Tour|archive-date=2 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102025024/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-400-clay-court-match-wins-tribute%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> It was his 20th ATP 500 series title (tied at the top with Federer).

At Madrid, he beat Diego Schwartzman in straight sets, to extend his record to 50 consecutive sets won on clay and broke John McEnroe's record of 49 straight sets won on a single surface.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-thiem-coric-madrid-2018-thursday%7Ctitle=50 And Counting... – ATP World Tour – Tennis|work=ATP World Tour |access-date=12 May 2018|archive-date=12 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512181726/https://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-thiem-coric-madrid-2018-thursday%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Nadal lost in straight sets to Dominic Thiem in the quarters, ending his 21-match and record 50-set winning streaks on clay. Federer overtook him as world No. 1.

At Rome, Nadal won his 8th title beating Alexander Zverev in three sets, to reach fourth place (overtaking McEnroe) on the men's singles titles in the Open Era leaderboard with 78.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/rome-2018-final-nadal-zverev%7Ctitle=Rafa Reigns In Rome, Returns To No. 1 – ATP World Tour – Tennis|work=ATP World Tour |date=20 May 2018|access-date=20 May 2018|archive-date=21 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521104227/http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/rome-2018-final-nadal-zverev%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> It was Nadal's record 32nd Masters title and he also regained the No. 1 spot from Federer.

At the French Open, Nadal won his 17th Grand Slam title. This tied Margaret Court's record for singles titles at a Grand Slam event (Court won 11 Australian Opens). Nadal dropped only one set at the event, beating Dominic Thiem in the final in three sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Rafa Rolls To 'La Undécima' At Roland Garros|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/roland-garros-2018-final-nadal-thiem%7Cdate=10 June 2018|access-date=2 January 2023|website=ATP Tour|archive-date=2 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102025026/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/roland-garros-2018-final-nadal-thiem%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Nadal became the fourth man in the Open Era to win three or more major titles after turning 30.

At Wimbledon, Nadal beat Juan Martín del Potro in five sets in the quarters. In the semi-finals he faced rival Novak Djokovic. The match lasted 5 hours 17 minutes, spread over two days, the second-longest Wimbledon semi-final ever. Djokovic won in the fifth set 10–8.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Novak Djokovic outlasts Rafael Nadal in epic Wimbledon semi-final |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jul/14/novak-djokovic-rafael-nadal-wimbledon-semi-final |work=The Guardian |date=14 July 2018 |access-date=16 July 2018 |archive-date=16 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716140636/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jul/14/novak-djokovic-rafael-nadal-wimbledon-semi-final |url-status=live }}</ref> It was Nadal's first loss in the semis of a major since US Open 2009 and his first Wimbledon semi final since 2011, ensuring Nadal retained his No. 1 ranking.

He won the Rogers Cup, a record-extending 33rd Masters title<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Rafael Nadal and Simona Halep win Rogers Cup titles |work=BBC Sport |date=12 August 2018 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/45164095 |access-date=17 August 2018 |archive-date=17 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817164446/https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/45164095 |url-status=live }}</ref> and his first Masters title on hard court since 2013. At US Open he first beat David Ferrer in Ferrer's last Grand Slam match, who retired due to injury. In his semi-final against Juan Martin del Potro, Nadal retired after losing the second set 6–2 due to knee pain. He withdrew from the Paris Masters due to an abdominal injury. As a result Novak Djokovic replaced him as world No. 1.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/46042799%7Ctitle=Paris Masters: Rafael Nadal out with injury & Roger Federer through|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 October 2018|access-date=2 November 2018|archive-date=1 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101065254/https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/46042799%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

2019: Fourth French-US title double, Davis Cup, and year-end No. 1

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

At Australian Open, Nadal progressed to his fifth Australian Open final without losing a set, then won only eight games against Novak Djokovic, which was Nadal's first straight-sets defeat in a major final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=27 January 2019 |title=Nadal's familiar sinking feeling |url=https://ausopen.com/articles/features/nadals-familiar-sinking-feeling |access-date=5 June 2022 |website=ausopen.com |language=en |archive-date=7 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707102103/https://ausopen.com/articles/features/nadals-familiar-sinking-feeling |url-status=live }}</ref> After losing in the second round of the Mexico Open to Nick Kyrgios, he was sidelined with a right hip injury.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Kyrgios saves three match points, beats Nadal in Acapulco |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-tennis-acapulco/kyrgios-saves-three-match-points-beats-nadal-in-acapulco-idUKKCN1QH0Q9 |website=Reuters |date=28 February 2019 |agency=Reuters |access-date=6 March 2019 |archive-date=7 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307054322/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-tennis-acapulco/kyrgios-saves-three-match-points-beats-nadal-in-acapulco-idUKKCN1QH0Q9 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Rafael Nadal Withdraws From Indian Wells & Miami |url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-withdraws-indian-wells-miami-2018 |website=ATP Tour |access-date=24 April 2019 |archive-date=24 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424081616/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-withdraws-indian-wells-miami-2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

At Monte Carlo, he lost in the semi-finals to Fabio Fognini in straight sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Monte Carlo Masters: Rafael Nadal loses to Fabio Fognini in semi-finals |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/47998714 |website=BBC Sport |date=20 April 2019 |access-date=24 April 2019 |archive-date=21 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421143201/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/47998714 |url-status=live }}</ref> At Barcelona, he lost to Dominic Thiem in straight sets in the semis. At Madrid, he lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets in the semi-finals.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Stefanos Tsitsipas stuns Rafael Nadal in Madrid |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/stefanos-tsitsipas-stuns-rafael-nadal-in-madrid/news-story/ce75f56eb44699a808af3fe308932fb4 |website=News.com.au |access-date=10 June 2019 |archive-date=9 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609142819/https://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/stefanos-tsitsipas-stuns-rafael-nadal-in-madrid/news-story/ce75f56eb44699a808af3fe308932fb4 |url-status=live }}</ref> He won his first tournament of the year in Rome, with a three-set win over Djokovic in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Nadal Beats Djokovic To Win Ninth Rome Title |url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/djokovic-nadal-rome-2019-final |website=ATP Tour |access-date=10 June 2019 |archive-date=20 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520085601/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/djokovic-nadal-rome-2019-final |url-status=live }}</ref>

File:O2 (49052218057).jpg

Nadal at the 2019 ATP Finals in London.

At the French Open, Nadal beat Kei Nishikori and Roger Federer (their first meeting at the tournament since 2011) en route to the final, dropping only one set en route. Nadal won in four sets against Thiem to claim his record-extending twelfth French Open title.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Rafa's Dozen: Nadal Claims 12th Roland Garros Crown |url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-thiem-roland-garros-2019-final |website=ATP Tour |access-date=10 June 2019 |archive-date=10 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610115421/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-thiem-roland-garros-2019-final |url-status=live }}</ref> He broke Margaret Court's all-time record of singles titles won at the same major.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.britannica.com/sports/Australian-Open%7Ctitle=Australian Open Tennis Tournament|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=9 July 2019|archive-date=12 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712125009/https://www.britannica.com/sports/Australian-Open%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

At Wimbledon he reached the semi-finals, where he faced Federer for the first time at Wimbledon since the 2008 final and lost in four sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal in four sets to reach Wimbledon men's final |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jul/12/roger-federer-rafael-nadal-wimbledon-semi-final-match-report |work=The Guardian |date=12 July 2019 |access-date=14 July 2019 |archive-date=18 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518130916/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jul/12/roger-federer-rafael-nadal-wimbledon-semi-final-match-report |url-status=live }}</ref> At the Rogers Cup, by defeating Fabio Fognini in the quarterfinals, he surpassed Roger Federer's record of 378 victories at Masters tournaments.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Rafael Nadal tops Roger Federer's Masters 1000 record, becoming |url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/75160/rafael-nadal-tops-roger-federer-s-masters-1000-record-becoming/ |website=Tennis World |date=9 August 2019 |access-date=10 August 2019 |archive-date=9 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809211518/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/75160/rafael-nadal-tops-roger-federer-s-masters-1000-record-becoming/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the final, Nadal lost three games to Daniil Medvedev. This victory marked the first time he defended a title on a surface other than clay.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-medvedev-montreal-2019-sunday-final%7Ctitle=Nadal Adds To All-Time Masters 1000 Titles Record|website=www.atptour.com|publisher=ATP Tour|date=11 August 2019|access-date=12 August 2019|archive-date=12 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812014226/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-medvedev-montreal-2019-sunday-final%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> At the US Open, Nadal lost one set (against Marin Čilić) en route to the final, where he beat Medvedev in five sets to win his fourth US Open title and 19th major title overall, and completed his second-best Grand Slam year.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=US Open 2019: Rafael Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev to win 19th Grand Slam title |work=BBC Sport |date=9 September 2019 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/49629579 |access-date=10 September 2019 |archive-date=10 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910010653/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/49629579 |url-status=live }}</ref> At the Paris Masters, Nadal reached the semi-finals, but withdrew due to an abdominal injury.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/ap-top-news/2019/11/02/djokovic-reaches-paris-masters-final-after-beating-dimitrov%7Ctitle=Injury blights Nadal at Paris Masters; Djokovic into final|access-date=2 November 2019|website=Spectrum News1|archive-date=3 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103140443/https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/ap-top-news/2019/11/02/djokovic-reaches-paris-masters-final-after-beating-dimitrov%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

At the ATP Finals, Nadal beat Tsitsipas and Medvedev in the round-robin stage, but failed to progress to the semi-finals.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Crooks|first=Eleanor|title=Rafa Nadal exits ATP finals but ends the year as world No 1|url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/tennis/rafa-nadal-exits-atp-finals-but-ends-the-year-as-world-no-1-1-5047201%7Cwork=The Scotsman|date=15 November 2019|access-date=17 November 2019|archive-date=16 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116141658/https://www.scotsman.com/sport/tennis/rafa-nadal-exits-atp-finals-but-ends-the-year-as-world-no-1-1-5047201%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Nadal secured the year-end No. 1 ranking when Djokovic was also eliminated in the round-robin stage. This was Nadal's fifth time as the year-end No. 1 player, drawing level with Jimmy Connors, Federer and Djokovic behind Pete Sampras (six). He became (at the time) the oldest person to finish as the year-end No. 1 player, and created a record eleven-year gap between his first and last year-end No. 1 seasons (2008 and 2019, respectively).<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Nadal Clinches Year-End No. 1 ATP Ranking For Fifth Time|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-clinches-2019-year-end-no-1-atp-rankings%7Cwork=ATP Tour|date=14 November 2019|access-date=15 November 2019|archive-date=14 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114215122/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-clinches-2019-year-end-no-1-atp-rankings%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

At the 2019 Davis Cup Finals, Nadal helped Spain win its sixth Davis Cup title, beating Canada. Nadal extended his winning streak in Davis Cup singles matches to 29 (29–1 record overall), without dropping a set or having his serve broken;<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Nadal Clinches Davis Cup Title For Spain With Win Against Shapovalov|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/davis-cup-2019-final-report%7Cwork=ATP Tour|date=24 November 2019|access-date=25 November 2019|archive-date=25 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191125034954/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/davis-cup-2019-final-report%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Spain seal sixth Davis Cup crown as Nadal and Bautista Agut down Canada in final|url=https://www.daviscupfinals.com/news/davis-cup-by-rakuten-madrid-finals-canada-spain-final%7Cwork=daviscupfinals.com%7Cdate=25 November 2019|access-date=25 November 2019|archive-date=5 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105133853/https://www.daviscupfinals.com/news/davis-cup-by-rakuten-madrid-finals-canada-spain-final%7Curl-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="2019 DCF ABC">{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Spain wins new-look Davis Cup after Rafael Nadal, Roberto Bautista Agut record wins|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-25/spain-wins-new-look-davis-cup-thanks-to-rafael-nadal-brilliance/11733792%7Cwork=ABC News (Australia)|date=25 November 2019|access-date=25 November 2019|archive-date=24 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191124224709/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-25/spain-wins-new-look-davis-cup-thanks-to-rafael-nadal-brilliance/11733792%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> he also won the tournament's Most Valuable Player award.<ref name="2019 DCF ABC"/>

2020: 13th French Open title

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

At the inaugural ATP Cup Nadal helped Spain reach the final where they lost to Serbia, with Nadal losing to Djokovic in straight sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Serbia wins atp cup |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-13/serbia-wins-atp-cup-nadal-upset-wth-football-crowd/11861792 |newspaper=ABC News |date=12 January 2020 |access-date=14 January 2020 |archive-date=14 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114080522/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-13/serbia-wins-atp-cup-nadal-upset-wth-football-crowd/11861792 |url-status=live }}</ref> At the Australian Open Nadal won his first three matches in straight sets against Hugo Dellien, Federico Delbonis and Pablo Carreño Busta. In the fourth round, he defeated Nick Kyrgios in four sets and lost in the quarterfinals to eventual runner-up Dominic Thiem in four sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Thiem Stuns Nadal To Reach First Semi-final In Melbourne |url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-thiem-australian-open-2020-day-10 |website=ATP Tour |access-date=30 January 2020 |archive-date=29 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129182534/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-thiem-australian-open-2020-day-10 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal won his third Mexican Open title, defeating Taylor Fritz in straights sets in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Mexican Open: Rafael Nadal wins third title after beating Taylor Fritz |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/51695234 |work=BBC Sport |date=March 2020 |access-date=2 March 2020 |archive-date=2 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302092834/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/51695234 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Nadal won his 13th French Open, beating Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the final, only losing seven games. In doing so, he won his 20th Grand Slam title, equalling Roger Federer's men's singles record.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/nadal-wins-13th-french-open-155926111.html%7Ctitle=King Nadal continues Paris reign with record-equalling 20th Slam|website=uk.sports.yahoo.com|date=11 October 2020|access-date=13 December 2020|archive-date=26 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026160419/https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/nadal-wins-13th-french-open-155926111.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/rafael-nadal-wins-his-20th-grand-slam-title-with-french-open-victory-11602431520|title=Rafael Nadal Wins His 20th Grand Slam Title With French Open Victory|first=Joshua|last=Robinson|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=11 October 2020|via=www.wsj.com|access-date=13 December 2020|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022185740/https://www.wsj.com/articles/rafael-nadal-wins-his-20th-grand-slam-title-with-french-open-victory-11602431520%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> It also marked his 100th win at the tournament, losing only twice in 16 years, and was the 4th time that he won a Grand Slam without losing a set, doing it also at the French Open in 2008, 2010 and 2017.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/10/11/rafael-nadal-novak-djokovic-french-open/%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal, with a marvel of a French Open final, claims his 20th Grand Slam title|first=Ava|last=Wallace|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=20 October 2020|archive-date=17 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017114318/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/10/11/rafael-nadal-novak-djokovic-french-open/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

At the Paris Masters, Nadal defeated Feliciano López in the second round to get his 1,000 victory on the ATP Tour, becoming the fourth man in the Open Era to achieve that milestone.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Nadal wins 1,000th ATP Tour match|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/54784769%7Cdate=4 November 2020|access-date=5 November 2020|archive-date=4 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104221300/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/54784769%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> He lost in the semi-finals to Alexander Zverev in straight sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Alexander Zverev beats Rafael Nadal to reach Paris final |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/54855704 |work=BBC Sport |date=7 November 2020 |access-date=11 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116171535/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/54855704 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 9 November 2020, Nadal reached his 790th back to back week as one of the ten highest placed players on the ATP rankings and surpassed the record held by Jimmy Connors.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-most-consecutive-weeks-in-top-10-fedex-atp-rankings%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal Breaks Jimmy Connors' Record For Most Consecutive Weeks In Top 10 Template:Pipe ATP Tour Template:Pipe Tennis|website=ATP Tour|access-date=4 June 2021|archive-date=4 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604212545/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-most-consecutive-weeks-in-top-10-fedex-atp-rankings%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

At the ATP Finals, Nadal defeated Rublev and defending champion Tsitsipas progressing to the semi-finals and securing ending the year as No. 2.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=19 November 2020|title=Nadal Battles Past Tsitsipas For London Semi-final Spot|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-tsitsipas-nitto-atp-finals-2020-thursday%7Caccess-date=20 November 2020|website=www.atptour.com|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127205714/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-tsitsipas-nitto-atp-finals-2020-thursday%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Nadal lost his semi-final to eventual champion Daniil Medvedev in three sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Daniil Medvedev beats Rafael Nadal to set up ATP Finals clash with Dominic Thiem |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/tennis/daniil-medvedev-rafael-nadal-atp-finals-dominic-thiem-b76061.html |website=Evening Standard |date=21 November 2020 |access-date=26 November 2020 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127182736/https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/tennis/daniil-medvedev-rafael-nadal-atp-finals-dominic-thiem-b76061.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This was the seventh time that Nadal had finished Year-end No. 2 and now led the "Big Three" with 12 Top 2 finishes.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atptour.com/en/news/top-2-finishes-big-three-november-2020%7Ctitle=Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal Finish Inside Top 2 For Third Straight Year Template:Pipe ATP Tour Template:Pipe Tennis|website=ATP Tour|access-date=4 June 2021|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414164719/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/top-2-finishes-big-three-november-2020%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

2021: 12th Barcelona Open and 10th Italian Open titles, and injury-shortened season

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

At the Australian Open, Nadal lost in the quarterfinals to world No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas, despite being two sets to love up.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Rafael Nadal Is Out of the Australian Open |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/17/sports/tennis/rafael-nadal-loses-australian-open.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/17/sports/tennis/rafael-nadal-loses-australian-open.html |archive-date=28 December 2021 |url-access=limited |website=The New York Times |date=17 February 2021 |access-date=21 February 2021|last1=Futterman |first1=Matthew }}Template:Cbignore</ref> Nadal next played at Monte Carlo and reached the quarterfinals, where he lost to Andrey Rublev in three sets.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Andrey Rublev "in shock" with Rafael Nadal after Monte-Carlo Masters thriller |url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/1424162/Andrey-Rublev-Rafael-Nadal-Monte-Carlo-Masters-tennis-news |website=Express |date=16 April 2021 |access-date=18 April 2021 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417195915/https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/1424162/Andrey-Rublev-Rafael-Nadal-Monte-Carlo-Masters-tennis-news |url-status=live }}</ref> On 25 April, Nadal won a record-extending twelfth Barcelona Open trophy with a three-set victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final, saving a championship point in the third set.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/tennis-nadal-outlasts-tsitsipas-claim-191349668.html%7Ctitle=Tennis-Nadal outlasts Tsitsipas to claim 12th Barcelona Open title|website=uk.news.yahoo.com|date=25 April 2021|access-date=25 April 2021|archive-date=26 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426221932/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/tennis-nadal-outlasts-tsitsipas-claim-191349668.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> At 3 hours and 38 minutes, this was the longest best-of-three-set ATP Tour final since ATP began publishing statistics in 1991.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-tsitsipas-barcelona-2021-sunday%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal Saves M.P., Beats Stefanos Tsitsipas For 12th Barcelona Title Template:Pipe ATP Tour Template:Pipe Tennis|website=ATP Tour|access-date=4 June 2021|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428101808/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-tsitsipas-barcelona-2021-sunday%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In May he reached the quarterfinals at the Madrid Open. He won a record-extending tenth Italian Open title,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atptour.com/en/news/djokovic-nadal-rome-2021-sunday-final%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal Fights Past Novak Djokovic For Record-Extending 10th Rome Crown Template:Pipe ATP Tour Template:Pipe Tennis|website=ATP Tour|access-date=4 June 2021|archive-date=2 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002174752/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/djokovic-nadal-rome-2021-sunday-final%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> saving two match points against Denis Shapovalov before beating Novak Djokovic in the final.

At the French Open, he beat Jannik Sinner and Diego Schwartzman before losing in the semis to eventual champion Djokovic in four sets, in only his third-ever loss at the French Open and his first loss in the semi-finals. After several weeks out with a left foot injury that had flared up at the French Open, Nadal returned to action at the 2021 Citi Open.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/nadal-withdraws-toronto-masters-with-persistent-foot-injury-2021-08-10/%7Ctitle=Nadal withdraws from Toronto Masters with persistent foot injury|website=Reuters|date=10 August 2021|access-date=11 August 2021|archive-date=11 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811200247/https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/nadal-withdraws-toronto-masters-with-persistent-foot-injury-2021-08-10/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> He beat Jack Sock in a tight three-set match before being upset by 50th ranked Lloyd Harris in the 3rd round.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-harris-washington-2021-thursday%7Ctitle=Harris Stuns Nadal In Washington Thriller|website=ATP Tour|access-date=11 August 2021|archive-date=11 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811200252/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-harris-washington-2021-thursday%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> On 20 August 2021, Nadal announced that would be ending his 2021 season due to the left foot issue that had been troubling him for most of the year. His ranking fell to No.6 due to his injury.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Rafael Nadal ends 2021 tennis season early because of niggling foot injury |url=https://abc.net.au/news/2021-08-20/tennis-rafael-nadal-ends-2021-season-because-of-foot-injury/100395850 |website=ABC News |date=20 August 2021 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=20 August 2021 |archive-date=20 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820111838/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-20/tennis-rafael-nadal-ends-2021-season-because-of-foot-injury/100395850 |url-status=live }}</ref>

2022: 21st and 22nd majors, and double Career Grand Slam

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

In January, Nadal won Melbourne Summer Set 1, beating Maxime Cressy in the final. He won his second Australian Open title, 21st major title and 90th ATP title beating Daniil Medvedev in a five-set final, coming back from two sets down.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Braidwood |first=Jamie |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/australian-open-final-result-nadal-medvedev-b2003655.html |title=Rafael Nadal produces epic comeback to defeat Daniil Medvedev and win record-breaking Australian Open title |work=The Independent |date=30 January 2022 |access-date=30 January 2022 |archive-date=30 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130141512/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/australian-open-final-result-nadal-medvedev-b2003655.html |url-status=live }}</ref> With the win, Nadal surpassed a tie with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer for the most men's singles major titles of all time<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Nadal beats Medvedev in Melbourne classic|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|date=30 January 2022 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/60183864%7Caccess-date=30 January 2022|archive-date=30 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130210214/https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/60183864%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> and became the second man in the Open Era, after Djokovic, to complete the double Career Grand Slam.

At the Mexican Open, Nadal won the title without dropping a set, including a win over new world No. 1 Medvedev. He extended his winning streak to 15 matches, his best ever start to a season. At Indian Wells he beat Nick Kyrgios and Carlos Alcaraz to reach his fourth final of the year and extend his winning streak to 20 matches.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=20 March 2022 |title=Rafael Nadal wins battle of generations to beat Alcaraz, 18, to Indian Wells final |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/mar/20/rafael-nadal-wins-battle-of-generations-to-beat-alcaraz-18-to-indian-wells-final |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-date=20 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320231922/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/mar/20/rafael-nadal-wins-battle-of-generations-to-beat-alcaraz-18-to-indian-wells-final |url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal had a rib injury and lost to Taylor Fritz in straight sets in the final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=21 March 2022 |title=Rafael Nadal beaten by Taylor Fritz in Indian Wells final |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/60816909 |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321012139/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/60816909 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Nadal returned at the Madrid Open, where he beat Miomir Kecmanović and David Goffin and lost to Carlos Alcaraz. At Rome, he beat John Isner in straight sets, but lost to Denis Shapovalov in three sets despite leading by a set and a break.

At the French Open, Nadal recorded his 106th win defeating Jordan Thompson in the first round, becoming the player with most wins at a single major. He beat Corentin Moutet in round two (his 300th win in majors).<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web| url=https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/33984043/rafael-nadal-35-reaches-300-career-grand-slam-match-wins-french-open-most-important-tournament-year-me | title=Nadal reaches 300 career Grand Slam match wins | date=25 May 2022 | access-date=25 May 2022 | archive-date=25 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525223941/https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/33984043/rafael-nadal-35-reaches-300-career-grand-slam-match-wins-french-open-most-important-tournament-year-me | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref> He beat Felix Auger Aliassime in the fourth round (his third five setter ever at the French Open). Nadal met Djokovic for the 59th time in the quarterfinals<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and won in four sets to advance to his 15th French Open semi-final.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Nadal beats Djokovic in late-night Paris thriller |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |date=31 May 2022 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/61653969 |access-date=2 June 2022 |archive-date=2 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602040901/https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/61653969 |url-status=live }}</ref> He faced Alexander Zverev and after more than three hours with two sets played, Zverev retired due to an ankle injury. In the final, he defeated Casper Ruud in three sets to win his 14th French Open title and 22nd major title overall and reached world No. 4. He became the then-oldest French Open champion ever, and the third man to earn four Top-10 wins en route to a major title since the ATP rankings started in 1973, after Mats Wilander (1982 French Open) and Federer (2017 Australian Open).<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title= Fantastic 14! Nadal Defeats Ruud For Another Roland Garros Title |work= ATPTour |url= https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-ruud-roland-garros-2022-final-sunday |access-date= 5 June 2022 |archive-date= 26 May 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230526185437/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-ruud-roland-garros-2022-final-sunday |url-status= live }}</ref>

After treating his foot injury, Nadal returned to Wimbledon for the first time in three years. He beat Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinal, but aggravated an abdominal injury, and had to withdraw from the tournament.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://nyti.ms/3yP2rxa%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal Withdraws From Wimbledon Ahead of Semifinal Match|date=7 July 2022|work=The New York Times|access-date=7 July 2022|archive-date=8 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108233537/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/07/sports/tennis/nadal-wimbledon.html%7Curl-status=live |last1=Futterman |first1=Matthew }}</ref>

Nadal lost in round one at Cincinnati to eventual champion Borna Ćorić.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web| url=https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/34416602/borna-coric-spoils-rafael-nadal-return-6-week-layoff-3-set-win-western-southern-open%3fplatform=amp | title=Nadal loses in first match since Wimbledon exit | date=18 August 2022 | access-date=18 August 2022 | archive-date=18 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818121909/https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/34416602/borna-coric-spoils-rafael-nadal-return-6-week-layoff-3-set-win-western-southern-open%3Fplatform=amp | url-status=live }}</ref> Nadal returned to the US Open for the first time since 2019. He lost in round four to Frances Tiafoe, his only loss at a major in 2022, and his earliest major defeat since the 2017 Wimbledon Championships.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/05/sports/tennis/nadal-tiafoe-us-open.html%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal Loses His Serve and His Way at the U.S. Open|first=Christopher|last=Clarey|work=The New York Times|date=5 September 2022|access-date=9 October 2022|archive-date=6 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906134740/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/05/sports/tennis/nadal-tiafoe-us-open.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

At the Laver Cup, Nadal competed for Team Europe alongside Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/big-four-laver-cup-2022-preview%7Ctitle=The Big Four Reunion: Federer, Nadal, Djokovic & Murray Take The Laver Cup|publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals|date=23 September 2022|access-date=9 October 2022|archive-date=4 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004095740/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/big-four-laver-cup-2022-preview%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> He played doubles with rival Federer (Roger's final professional match), losing to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/sep/24/roger-federer-tennis-laver-cup-rafael-nadal-sock-tiafoe%7Ctitle=Roger Federer bids emotional farewell in doubles defeat alongside Rafael Nadal|work=The Guardian|first=Tumaini|last=Carayol|date=24 September 2022|access-date=9 October 2022|archive-date=16 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116162111/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/sep/24/roger-federer-tennis-laver-cup-rafael-nadal-sock-tiafoe%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> At the ATP Finals, Nadal won his last match of the year against Casper Ruud after losing his first two matches. Nadal finished the year ranked No. 2, becoming the oldest year-end top-2 player in the history of the ATP rankings.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Rafael Nadal: 'It's a gift' |url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/124631/rafael-nadal-it-s-a-gift-/ |access-date=26 November 2022 |website=Tennis World USA |date=26 November 2022 |language=en |archive-date=26 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126093427/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/124631/rafael-nadal-it-s-a-gift-/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

2023: Injury struggles and exit from Top 10 after 18 consecutive years

Nadal was the defending champion at the 2023 Australian Open, but lost in straight sets to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/injured-defending-champion-nadal-bows-out-australian-open-2023-01-18/ |title=Injured champion Nadal crashes out of Australian Open |last=Ransom |first=Ian |work=Reuters |date=18 January 2023 |access-date=23 January 2023 |archive-date=18 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118065458/https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/injured-defending-champion-nadal-bows-out-australian-open-2023-01-18/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-mcdonald-australian-open-2023-r2 |title=McDonald Upsets Hobbled Nadal At Australian Open |publisher=ATP Tour |date=18 January 2023 |access-date=23 January 2023 |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122213501/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-mcdonald-australian-open-2023-r2 |url-status=live }}</ref> During the match, Nadal was severely hampered by a hip injury. Nadal withdrew from Indian Wells and Miami to recover from his Australian Open injury and didn't play on tour again in 2023.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=18 January 2023 |title='I didn't want to retire': Nadal driven by pride as he plays through injury in Australian Open loss |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-18/australian-open-rafael-nadal-injury-second-round-loss/101869386 |access-date=18 January 2023 |archive-date=18 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118085308/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-18/australian-open-rafael-nadal-injury-second-round-loss/101869386 |url-status=live }}</ref> As a result, he exited the Top 10 for the first time since 25 April 2005 on 20 March 2023, ending the longest Top-10 streak in ATP rankings history.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web| url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/rafael-nadal-to-fall-out-of-top-10-for-first-time-since-2005-after-indian-wells | title=Rafael Nadal to fall out of Top 10 for first time since 2005 on March 20th after Indian Wells | access-date=5 March 2023 | archive-date=5 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305213844/https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/rafael-nadal-to-fall-out-of-top-10-for-first-time-since-2005-after-indian-wells | url-status=live }}</ref>

2024: Return to the tour and retirement

Nadal began his season at the 2024 Brisbane International, defeating Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler before losing to Jordan Thompson.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> During the match, he sustained a muscle injury that forced him to miss the Australian Open.

Following a second-round loss to Alex de Minaur at the Barcelona Open, Nadal reached the fourth round at the Madrid Open, defeating de Minaur en route. He lost in round two at the Italian Open. In May, Nadal lost in the first round of the French Open to world No. 4 and eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> This brought his final Roland-Garros record to 112–4.

At the Swedish Open in July, he reached his last career ATP Tour final with wins over Leo Borg, Cameron Norrie, Mariano Navone in a marathon match lasting four hours, and Duje Ajduković.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He lost to Nuno Borges in straight sets.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Nadal then competed in the Summer Olympics, where he served as a torch bearer during the opening ceremony. In singles, he lost in the second round to eventual champion Novak Djokovic in their record 60th professional meeting. In the doubles with Alcaraz, he reached the quarterfinals.

On 10 October 2024, Nadal stated his intention to retire from the sport after playing for Spain in the Davis Cup Finals in Málaga, Spain, in November.<ref name="bbcretire">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="nadalretire">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Later that month he participated in the 6 Kings Slam exhibition tournament, losing his matches against Alcaraz<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Djokovic.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

At the Davis Cup Finals in Málaga, Botic van de Zandschulp beat Nadal as Spain lost to the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> After the conclusion of the tie, Nadal gave a speech and a video montage was played of career highlights and personal messages, including from Federer, Djokovic, Serena Williams, Andy Murray, footballer Andrés Iniesta and golfer Sergio García.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Rivalries

Nadal vs. Federer

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

Roger Federer and Nadal played each other from 2004 to 2019, and their rivalry was a significant part of both men's careers.<ref name="asgoodasitgets">{{#invoke:Cite|news|work=International Herald Tribune|agency=Associated Press|title=Federer-Nadal rivalry as good as it gets|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/07/sports/TEN-On-Tennis-Rafa---Roger.php%7Cdate=7 July 2008|access-date=14 February 2009|archive-date=23 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080823030306/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/07/sports/TEN-On-Tennis-Rafa---Roger.php%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|first=Paul|last=Weaver|title=Move over McEnroe and Borg, this one will run and run in the memory|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/jul/07/wimbledon.tennis4%7Cwork=The Guardian|date=7 July 2008|access-date=14 February 2009|archive-date=23 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123004930/http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/jul/07/wimbledon.tennis4%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref name="asgoodassportgets">{{#invoke:Cite|news|first = Martin|last = Flanagan|title = Federer v Nadal as good as sport gets|work = The Age|location = Melbourne|url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/tennis/federer-v-nadal-as-good-as-%7Curl-status=dead%7Carchive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130814212515/http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=N409&oId=F324%7Carchive-date = 14 August 2013|df = dmy-all}}</ref> They held the top two rankings on the ATP Tour from July 2005 to 14 August 2009,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|first = Richard|last = Jago|title = Murray reaches world No. 2|date = 15 August 2009|url = https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/aug/15/andy-murray-montreal-masters-jo-wilfried-tsonga%7Cwork = The Observer|access-date = 16 August 2010|archive-date = 14 July 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130714043301/http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/aug/15/andy-murray-montreal-masters-jo-wilfried-tsonga%7Curl-status = live}}</ref> and again from 11 September 2017 to 15 October 2018. They are the only pair of men to be consistently ranked in the Top 2 for four years continuously (from July 2005 to August 2009).<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Roger Federer Ranking History|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Roger-Federer.aspx?t=rh%7Cpublisher=Association of Tennis Professionals|access-date=9 February 2013|archive-date=11 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511115233/http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Roger-Federer.aspx?t=rh%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Rafael Nadal|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Rafael-Nadal.aspx?t=rh%7Cpublisher=Associate of Tennis Professionals|access-date=9 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208041200/http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Rafael-Nadal.aspx?t=rh%7Carchive-date=8 February 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Nadal ascended to No. 2 in July 2005 and held this spot for a record 160 consecutive weeks before surpassing Federer in August 2008.<ref name="nadalnum1">{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/25978842/%7Ctitle=It's official: Nadal will pass Federer for No. 1|date=1 August 2008|publisher=NBC Sports|agency=Associated Press|access-date=14 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081019231656/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/25978842/%7Carchive-date=19 October 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Nadal and Federer are also the only pair of men to have ever finished six consecutive calendar years at the top 2 positions (from 2005 to 2010).<ref name=year-endrankings>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Nadal and Federer faced each other 40 times, with Nadal leading 24–16 overall and 10–4 in Grand Slam matches. Nadal had a winning record on clay (14–2) and outdoor hard courts (8–6), while Federer led on indoor hard courts (5–1) and grass (3–1).<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Rafael Nadal VS Roger Federer|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/fedex-head-2-head/rafael-nadal-vs-roger-federer/N409/F324%7Cpublisher=ATP World Tour|access-date=11 April 2018|archive-date=28 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328103109/http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/fedex-head-2-head/rafael-nadal-vs-roger-federer/N409/F324%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>

24 of their matches were in tournament finals, including a joint-record nine major finals (tied with Djokovic–Nadal).<ref name="therivalry">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/Rivalries/Nadal-Federer-Rivalry.aspx%7Ctitle=Roger & Rafa: The Rivalry|date=14 March 2013|publisher=ATPtennis.com|access-date=11 April 2013|archive-date=31 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831151121/http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/Rivalries/Nadal-Federer-Rivalry.aspx%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> From 2006 to 2008, they played in every French Open and Wimbledon final, and also met in the title matches of the 2009 Australian Open, the 2011 French Open and the 2017 Australian Open.<ref name="therivalry" /> Nadal won six of the nine, losing the first two Wimbledon finals and 2017 in Australia. Four of these matches were five-set matches (2007 and 2008 Wimbledon, 2009 and 2017 Australian Open), and the 2008 Wimbledon final has been lauded as the greatest match ever.<ref name="greatestmatchever">{{#invoke:Cite|news|first=Bruce|last=Jenkins|title=The Greatest Match Ever|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/06/SPP711KSLR.DTL%7Cdate=7 July 2008|access-date=7 August 2008|work=The San Francisco Chronicle|archive-date=4 March 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120304234833/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2008%2F07%2F06%2FSPP711KSLR.DTL%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|first = Richard|last = Alleyne|title = Wimbledon 2008: John McEnroe hails Rafael Nadal victory as greatest final ever|work = The Telegraph|url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/wimbledon/2305019/Wimbledon-2008-John-McEnroe-hails-Rafael-Nadal-victory-as-greatest-final-ever.html%7Cdate = 7 July 2008|access-date = 14 February 2009|archive-date = 15 February 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140215035202/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/wimbledon/2305019/Wimbledon-2008-John-McEnroe-hails-Rafael-Nadal-victory-as-greatest-final-ever.html%7Curl-status = live}}</ref><ref name="wertheim-greatestmatch">{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/07/09/wertheim.mailbag/index.html%7Ctitle=Without a doubt, it's the greatest|last=Wertheim|first=Jon|date=9 July 2008|work=Tennis Mailbag|access-date=14 February 2009|archive-date=13 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813175621/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/07/09/wertheim.mailbag/index.html%7Curl-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="tignor-greatestmatch">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://tennisworld.typepad.com/thewrap/2008/07/w-report-cards.html%7Ctitle=W: Report Cards|last=Tignor|first=Steve|work=Concrete Elbow|publisher=Tennis.com|date=8 July 2008|access-date=14 February 2009|archive-date=19 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819130701/http://tennisworld.typepad.com/thewrap/2008/07/w-report-cards.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Nadal was the only player to defeat Federer in the final of a major on all three surfaces (grass, hard court, and clay).

Nadal vs. Djokovic

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

Novak Djokovic and Nadal met 60 times, more than any other pair in the Open Era. Nadal led 11–7 at Grand Slam events but trailed 29–31 overall.<ref name="CO2013">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2013/08/32/Montreal-Saturday-Djokovic-Nadal.aspx |title=Nadal Edges Djokovic In Montreal Thriller, Faces Raonic in Final |publisher=ATP World Tour |date=30 September 2011 |access-date=31 July 2014 |archive-date=21 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421211726/http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2013/08/32/Montreal-Saturday-Djokovic-Nadal.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=NadalVSDjokovic>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Rafael Nadal VS Novak Djokovic|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/fedex-head-2-head/rafael-nadal-vs-novak-djokovic/N409/D643%7Cpublisher=ATP World Tour|access-date=11 April 2018|archive-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412083215/http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/fedex-head-2-head/rafael-nadal-vs-novak-djokovic/N409/D643%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> They played a record 18 Grand Slam matches and a joint-record nine Grand Slam tournament finals (tied with Nadal–Federer). Nadal led on clay (20–9), while Djokovic led on hard courts (20–7), and they were tied 2–2 on grass.<ref name="CO2013" /><ref name=NadalVSDjokovic/> In 2009, this rivalry was listed as the third greatest of the previous 10 years by ATPworldtour.com.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2009/12/Decade-In-Review-Rivalries.aspx%7Ctitle=Rivalries Of The Decade|access-date=23 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512110519/http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2009/12/Decade-In-Review-Rivalries.aspx%7Curl-status=dead%7Carchive-date=12 May 2015}}</ref> Djokovic was one of only two players to win at least ten match wins against Nadal alongside Federer and was the only person to defeat Nadal seven consecutive times, doing so twice. They also played in a record 14 ATP Masters finals.

In their first Grand Slam final at the 2010 US Open, Nadal beat Djokovic in four sets, achieving the career Grand Slam.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Vecsey|first=George|date=14 September 2010|title=A Champion's March to Greatness|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/sports/tennis/14vecsey.html%7Caccess-date=2 January 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=31 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231042657/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/sports/tennis/14vecsey.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In 2011–12, they contested four consecutive major finals, with Djokovic winning the first three at Wimbledon,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/04/sports/tennis/2011-wimbledon-mens-final-novak-djokovic-defeats-rafael-nadal.html%7Ctitle=Djokovic's Dream Made Real With Wimbledon Conquest|access-date=3 July 2011|work=The New York Times|first=Christopher|last=Clarey|date=3 July 2011|archive-date=4 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704204524/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/04/sports/tennis/2011-wimbledon-mens-final-novak-djokovic-defeats-rafael-nadal.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> the US Open, and the Australian Open, the last being the longest Grand Slam final in history at 5 hours and 53 minutes.<ref name="AOfinal"/> It remains the longest match of both Nadal and Djokovic's careers, and the only time Nadal lost a major final after winning the first set.<ref name=12AOfinal>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/djokovic-nadal-australian-open-2012-final |title=Novak Djokovic Beats Rafael Nadal In Epic 2012 Australian Open Final |website=ATP Tour |date=29 January 2012 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=27 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827230401/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/djokovic-nadal-australian-open-2012-final |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2013, Djokovic defeated Nadal in straight sets in the final at Monte Carlo, ending Nadal's record eight consecutive titles there, but Nadal earned revenge in the French Open semifinals in an epic five-setter.<ref name=century>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://tennishead.net/the-10-best-french-open-mens-matches-of-the-century-nadal-djokovic-semi-final-2013/ |title=The 10 best French Open men's matches of the century: Nadal-Djokovic, semi-final, 2013 |website=tennishead.net |date=16 September 2020 |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=27 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827155420/https://tennishead.net/the-10-best-french-open-mens-matches-of-the-century-nadal-djokovic-semi-final-2013/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that year, Nadal defeated Djokovic in the US Open final to complete the Summer Slam.<ref name=NadalVSDjokovic/>

Many of their matches are considered among the greatest in tennis history by analysts, such as 2009 Madrid Masters semifinal,<ref name=voted>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://mutuamadridopen.com/en/the-2009-semi-final-between-nadal-and-djokovic-voted-the-best-match-in-mutua-madrid-open-history/ |title=The 2009 semi-final between Nadal and Djokovic, voted the best match in Mutua Madrid Open history |website=mutuamadridopen.com |date=14 March 2022 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=8 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608201614/https://mutuamadridopen.com/en/the-2009-semi-final-between-nadal-and-djokovic-voted-the-best-match-in-mutua-madrid-open-history/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 2011 Miami Masters final,<ref name=sinks>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=3 April 2011 |title=Djokovic sinks Nadal in thrilling Miami final |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-men-miami-idUSTRE7322ZF20110403 |access-date=1 August 2022 |archive-date=11 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511131546/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-men-miami-idUSTRE7322ZF20110403 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Pulsating>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Fitzgerald |first=Matt |date=3 April 2011 |title=Djokovic Denies Nadal Again To Take Pulsating Final |url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/djokovic-nadal-miami-2011-sunday |access-date=18 September 2022 |website=ATP Tour |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920170646/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/djokovic-nadal-miami-2011-sunday |url-status=live }}</ref> the 2012 Australian Open final,<ref name="AOfinal"/> the 2013 French Open semifinal,<ref name=century/> 2018 Wimbledon semifinal,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=9 July 2020 |title=A Titanic Clash In Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal's Record Rivalry |url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/djokovic-nadal-wimbledon-2018-flashback |access-date=30 November 2023 |website=ATP Tour}}</ref> and the 2021 French Open semifinal.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/djokovic-nadal-roland-garros-2021-sf |title=Novak Djokovic Dethrones Rafael Nadal After Roland Garos Epic |website=ATP Tour |date=11 June 2021 |access-date=30 November 2023}}</ref>

Legacy

Template:Quote box Nadal won the second-most major men's singles titles (22) in tennis history and the second-most "Big" titles (59) since 1990. He appeared in the Top 10 of the ATP rankings consecutively from April 2005 to March 2023 – a record spanning 912 weeks. He stands alone in the Open Era as the player with the most clay court titles (63), consisting of an all-time 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, and he holds the open era records for the longest single-surface win streak in matches (81 on clay) and in sets (50 on clay). Nadal holds the men's all-time records for 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 (96.6%), among many others. Nadal's dominance on clay is reflected by his honorific title as the "King of Clay",Template:Efn and he is widely regarded as the greatest clay-court player in history.Template:Efn Nadal is considered by many to be the greatest player in tennis history.Template:Efn

Nadal is one of three men, along with Agassi and Djokovic, to win the Olympic gold medal as well as the four majors in singles in his career, a feat known as a Career Golden Slam. He is the only male player in history to complete the Career Grand Slam and win an Olympic gold medal in both singles and doubles.Template:Efn He is one of four men in history, along with Roy Emerson, Rod Laver and Djokovic, to complete the double Career Grand Slam in singles.

Among numerous career accolades, Nadal was the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year in 2011 and 2021, and was 2010 BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Nadal receives BBC Overseas award |date=19 December 2010 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sports_personality_of_the_year/9288075.stm |access-date=29 August 2023 |agency=BBC}}</ref> He is an honorary recipient of the Grand Cross of Royal Order of Sports Merit, Grand Cross of Order of the Second of May, the Grand Cross of Naval Merit, the Princess of Asturias Award, and the Medal of the City of Paris. He was ranked as one of the world's highest-paid athletes by Forbes magazine in 2014 and named among the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2022.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

In 2019, former world No. 1 and 1995 French Open champion Thomas Muster stated: "Rafael Nadal is the best clay-court player ever".<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/68196/rafael-nadal-is-the-best-claycourt-player-ever-says-thomas-muster/ |title=Rafael Nadal is the best clay-court player ever, says Thomas Muster |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=20 March 2019 |access-date=24 November 2023 }}</ref> Former world No. 1 Carlos Moyá stated in 2010 that Nadal was "one of the greatest ever. But he is on his way to become, who knows, maybe the greatest".<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-finals-moya-nadal-idUSTRE6AK1JH20101121/ |title=Moya says Nadal on way to being best ever player |website=www.reuters.com |date=21 November 2010 |access-date=24 November 2023 }}</ref> Former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero: "Rafa is the king of knowing how to adapt to any situation in the match".<ref name=BrokenFinger>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.ubitennis.net/2020/11/nadal-at-1000-the-fearless-teen-who-won-a-junior-tournament-with-a-broken-finger-has-become-a-timeless-legend/ |title=Nadal At 1000: The Fearless Teen Who Won A Junior Tournament With A Broken Finger Has Become A Timeless Legend |website=www.ubitennis.net |date=11 September 2020 |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=11 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111005912/https://www.ubitennis.net/2020/11/nadal-at-1000-the-fearless-teen-who-won-a-junior-tournament-with-a-broken-finger-has-become-a-timeless-legend/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Former world No. 1 and rival Novak Djokovic: "Our encounters have made me the player I am today".<ref name=BrokenFinger/> Former world No. 1 and rival Roger Federer: "I have always had the utmost respect for my friend Rafa as a person and as a champion. I believe we have pushed each other to become better players".<ref name=BrokenFinger/>

Nadal played an instrumental role in the sport's revival, ushering in a Golden Age of tennis, which saw increased interest and higher revenues across tennis venues globally. His rivalries with Djokovic and Federer are widely considered by players, coaches, and pundits to be among the greatest rivalries in sports history.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Kapetanakis |first=Arthur |title=10 Defining Rivalries In ATP History |url=https://www.atptour.com/en/sitecore/content/globalcontent/longform-news-articles/atp-50-rivalries |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=ATP Tour}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Snowball |first=Ben |date=31 May 2022 |title=Rafael Nadal v Novak Djokovic is 'biggest' rivalry in tennis history – Corretja ahead of French Open clash |url=https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/roland-garros/2022/rafael-nadal-v-novak-djokovic-is-biggest-rivalry-in-tennis-history-corretja-ahead-of-french-open-cla_sto8964453/story.shtml |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=Eurosport}}</ref>

Player profile

Playing style

Nadal generally played an aggressive, behind-the-baseline game based on heavy topspin groundstrokes, consistency and shrewd court coverage; an aggressive counterpuncher.<ref name=Aspects>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon08/columns/story?columnist=garber_greg&id=3472238%7Ctitle=Nadal Has Improved Virtually Every Aspect of His Game|publisher=ESPN|date=3 July 2008|access-date=30 January 2009}}</ref>

File:Nadal MA14 (4) - Copy (14402855966).jpg

Nadal hitting a forehand.

Known for his athleticism and speed around the court in his 20s, Nadal has been called "the best defender in tennis".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> who hit well on the run, constructing winning plays from seemingly defensive positions. He also played very fine dropshots, which worked well because his heavy topspin often forced opponents to the back of the court.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.tennis.com/yourgame/instructionarticles/netgame/netgame.aspx?id=123244%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal's Drop Volley|work=Tennis Magazine|date=27 March 2008|access-date=30 January 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026221750/http://www.tennis.com/yourgame/instructionarticles/netgame/netgame.aspx?id=123244%7Carchive-date=26 October 2009}}</ref>

Nadal employed a semi-western grip forehand, often with a "lasso-whip" follow-through, where his left arm hit through the ball and finished above his left shoulder.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web| url=http://www.elitetennistraining.com/free-online-tennis-lessons/gripping-the-tennis-racquet/ | title=How To Hold A Tennis Racket | access-date=19 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web| url=http://www.essentialtennis.com/category/video/grips/ | title=Essential Tennis – Rafael Nadal's Forehand Grip Revealed | access-date=19 January 2015}}</ref> Nadal's forehand allowed him to hit shots with heavy topspin – more so than his contemporaries.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/27/sports/tennis/27tennis.html |title=More and More Players Deliver Slap to Classic Forehand|work=The New York Times |date=27 June 2006|access-date=30 January 2009 | first=Christopher | last=Clarey}}</ref>

San Francisco tennis researcher John Yandell used a high-speed video camera and special software to count the average number of revolutions of a tennis ball hit full force by Nadal. Yandell concluded:

The first guys we did were Sampras and Agassi. They were hitting forehands that in general were spinning about 1,800 to 1,900 revolutions per minute. Federer is hitting with an amazing amount of spin, too, right? 2,700 revolutions per minute. Well, we measured one forehand Nadal hit at 4,900. His average was 3,200.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Ripped. (Or Torn Up?) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/magazine/21nadal-t.html |work=The New York Times | first=Cynthia | last=Gorney | date=17 June 2009 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref>{{#if:|

|}}{{#if:|

— {{#if:|, in }}Template:Comma separated entries

}}{{#invoke:Check for unknown parameters|check|unknown=Template:Main other|preview=Page using Template:Blockquote with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | author | by | char | character | cite | class | content | multiline | personquoted | publication | quote | quotesource | quotetext | sign | source | style | text | title | ts }}

While Nadal's shots tended to land short of the baseline, the characteristically high bounces his forehands achieved tended to mitigate the advantage an opponent would normally gain from capitalizing on a short ball.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.tennis.com/yourgame/instructionarticles/forehand/forehand.aspx?id=56544%7Ctitle=The Forehand of Rafael Nadal|work=Tennis Magazine|date=15 December 2006|access-date=30 January 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304142514/http://tennis.com/yourgame/instructionarticles/forehand/forehand.aspx?id=56544%7Carchive-date=4 March 2009}}</ref> Although his forehand was based on heavy topspin, he hit the ball deep and flat with a more orthodox follow through for clean winners, but instead of being admired for his finesse and angles, it was the brutality of his groundstrokes that caught the public eye.<ref name=BrokenFinger/>

Nadal's serve was considered a weak point in his game, although his high number of first-serve points won and break points saved allowed him to consistently compete for and win major titles on faster surfaces. Before the 2010 US Open, he altered his service motion. He arrived in the trophy pose earlier, pulled the racket lower during the trophy pose and modified his service grip to a more continental one,<ref name=genius>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/sep/14/rafael-nadal-grand-slam-greatest-player |title=Beaten Novak Djokovic says Rafael Nadal can be 'best player ever' |website=www.theguardian.com |date=14 September 2010 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232454/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/sep/14/rafael-nadal-grand-slam-greatest-player |url-status=live }}</ref> He increased his average speed by around 10 mph during the 2010 US Open, maxing out at 135 mph (217 km/h), allowing him to win more free points on his serve.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|author=Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger |url=http://www.nj.com/sports/njsports/index.ssf/2010/09/rafael_nadal_has_gotten_a_grip.html |title=12 September 2010 |work=The Star-Ledger |date=12 September 2010 |access-date=3 June 2011}}</ref> After the 2010 US Open, Nadal's serve speed dropped to previous levels and was again cited as in need of improvement.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|author=Timothy Rapp |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1044134-rafael-nadal-rafa-must-improve-serve-to-beat-novak-djokovic |title=Rafael Nadal: Rafa Must Improve Serve to Beat Novak Djokovic |publisher=Bleacher Report |date= 30 January 2012|access-date=3 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|author=Thomas Skuzinski |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/815240-2011-us-open-biggest-weaknesses-in-the-top-8-men#/articles/815240-2011-us-open-biggest-weaknesses-in-the-top-8-men/page/5 |title=Rafael Nadal's Serve, and 7 Other Weak Shots Among the Top 8 Men |publisher=Bleacher Report |date= 22 August 2011|access-date=3 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|author=Naharnet Newsdesk |url=http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/14931 |title=Beaten Nadal Vows to Turn Tables on Djokovic |publisher=Naharnet |date= 13 September 2011|access-date=3 May 2012}}</ref> From 2019 onwards, several analysts praised Nadal's improvement on the serve, noting the speed of his serve had increased.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-serve-comparison-australian-open-2019%7C title=2010 or 2019: Which Rafa Serve Is More Potent?| date= 25 January 2019 | author= Plaza, Rafael |work=ATP Tour }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-sousa-wimbledon-2019-monday-r16%7C title=Nadal Ruthless On Serve To Reach Wimbledon Quarter-finals| date= 8 July 2019 | author= ATP staff |work=ATP Tour }}</ref><ref name="auto">{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://www.tennisabstract.com/blog/2019/01/26/the-impact-of-rafael-nadals-new-serve/%7C title=The Impact of Rafael Nadal's New Serve| date= 26 January 2019 | author= Jeff }}</ref>

Nadal, a clay court maestro, was also successful on hard courts. However, Nadal himself admitted that playing a lot on them is tiring and takes a physical toll on ATP Tour players, so he repeatedly requested for a reevaluated tour schedule featuring fewer hard court tournaments and increasing the weeks of rest.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://tennis.com/tournaments/2009/australianopen/australianopen.aspx?id=163626%7Ctitle=Oz Champ Nadal Wants Changes in Tennis Schedule|work=Tennis Magazine|date=2 February 2009|access-date=2 February 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615164042/http://tennis.com/tournaments/2009/australianopen/australianopen.aspx?id=163626%7Carchive-date=15 June 2009}}</ref>

Early in his career some questioned his longevity in the sport, citing his build and playing style as conducive to injury.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/usopen07/news/story?id=2996956%7Ctitle=Style of play catching up with Rafa?|publisher=ESPN|date=30 August 2007|access-date=30 January 2009}}</ref> After winning the 2010 US Open, former world No. 1 Pete Sampras stated: "The only question with Rafa is physically how much his body can handle the pounding with how hard he works for every point. You just watch him play, the kid is relentless".<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/sampras-nadal-a-beast_sto2479566/story.shtml |title=Sampras: Nadal a beast |website=www.eurosport.com |date=23 September 2010 |access-date=22 November 2023 }}</ref> This "longevity" narrative was proven inaccurate, and pundits later admired his resilience to come back from devastating injuries and his ability to play with physical pain.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2019/09/05/rafael-nadals-astonishing-resilience-should-now-enough-win-even/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2019/09/05/rafael-nadals-astonishing-resilience-should-now-enough-win-even/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | title=Rafael Nadal's astonishing resilience | newspaper=The Telegraph |date=5 September 2019 | access-date=14 September 2019|last1=Brown |first1=Oliver }}Template:Cbignore</ref>

Attitude and demeanor

Despite his success, his uncle Toni ensured that Nadal remained as normal, modest, and down to earth as possible and believed these qualities had a tremendous impact on his results and motivation.<ref name=Making1/> He rarely if ever touted his achievements, refused to put down his rivals, and lingered after matches and practices to sign autographs.<ref name=Confucius>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/27/world/rafael-nadal-philosophy-blake-cec/index.html |title=This world-class athlete talks like Aristotle and acts like Confucius. We can all learn from him |website=CNN |date=27 May 2022 |access-date=5 December 2023 }}</ref> For instance, in 2007, Nadal would often interrupt his training sessions on the public courts of Manacor, just to hit a few balls with fans and foreign tourists that had asked him to, even though they were not very good, and even against his uncle Toni’s wishes.<ref name="Rajaraman" />

Nadal was also noted for his visceral delight in competing, whether he won or lost.<ref name=Confucius/> He also had a rare philosophical approach to tennis and life that one sportswriter described as a "model of humility, empathy, and perspective".<ref name=Confucius/>

Nadal was known for his on-court rituals including specific bodily movements and the positioning of items courtside.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Rafael Nadal's obsessive nature stretches from the tennis court into the gym |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/tennis/rafael-nadals-obsessive-nature-stretches-from-the-tennis-court-into-the-gym/news-story/2ffdec90858b8e5a3bd34d0c95910e89 |access-date=26 January 2022 |agency=Fox Sports |date=14 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Khanna |first1=Varun |title=Rafael Nadal's Rituals: The Mechanism Behind the Rhythm |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/rafael-nadals-rituals-the-mechanism-behind-the-rhythm-atp-tennis-news/ |access-date=26 January 2022 |work=Essentially Sports |date=3 February 2020}}</ref> At changeovers, he always waited until his opponent crossed the net, refused to step on the lines, and lined up his drinks bottles in precise positions near his chair, labels always facing out, before stepping back into action.<ref name=Mannerisms>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/tennis/mannerisms-make-the-man-obsessive-nadal-on-cusp-of-history-1075926.html |title=Mannerisms make the man: Obsessive Nadal on cusp of history |website=www.deccanherald.com |date=29 January 2022 |access-date=5 December 2023 }}</ref> His water-bottle routine was so well-known that when they fell over during a match at the 2015 Australian Open, a ball boy dashed over to return the bottles to their upright position, with the labels facing the court as Nadal had intended.<ref name=Confucius/> Nadal explained that such rituals were meant to work as a psychological mechanism to help him stay calm in stressful situations.<ref name=Confucius/><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Sourav |first1=D |title=Rafael Nadal's tennis rituals, superstitions or obsessions? |url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/84735/rafael-nadals-tennis-rituals-superstitions-or-obsessions/ |access-date=26 January 2022 |work=Tennis World |date=2 March 2020}}</ref>

There was a pattern to the way he approached a serve. He usually took three balls, examined them, discarded one, shook the strands of hair that were not corralled by his headband out of his eyes, and then served.<ref name=Childs>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/jun/26/wimbledon2003.tennis6 |title=Nadal has no time for Childs play |website=www.theguardian.com |date=26 June 2003 |access-date=5 December 2023 }}</ref> Nadal's extensive time taken between points received criticism from other players including Roger Federer and Denis Shapovalov,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Cambers |first1=Simon |title=Roger Federer criticises Rafael Nadal again over Wimbledon slow play |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jun/27/roger-federer-rafael-nadal-wimbledon-slow-play |access-date=26 January 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=28 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Jackson |first1=Andrew |title='He is wrong': Nadal hits back after Shapovalov accuses him of getting "unfair" advantages |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/tennis/australian-open/australian-open-2022-rafael-nadal-vs-denis-shapovalov-umpire-carlos-bernardes-corrupt-argument-video-reaction-press-conference/news-story/b4629967780576c3b634aefa74d2faee |access-date=26 January 2022 |work=Fox Sports |date=25 January 2022}}</ref> with the latter wanting Nadal to be given a code violation for pushing the 25-second serve clock to the limit, stating that he was being given preferential treatment because of his status in the game.<ref name=Mannerisms/>

Coaching and personal team

Nadal's first and most important coach was his uncle Toni Nadal, who coached him from 1990 to 2017 (aged 4 to 31).<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2017/02/report-toni-nadal-stop-traveling-rafa-end-17/64110/ |title=Report: Toni Nadal to stop traveling with Rafa at the end of '17 |website=Tennis.com |date=11 February 2017 }}</ref> Though strong physically as a player, Toni Nadal struggled to be aggressive with his forehand and possessed no big shots. Along with working on the mental and physical sides, he ensured that his nephew developed a good technical, all-round aggressive game, became competent at the net, and developed his forehand into a weapon.<ref name=Making1/>

Aged 12, Nadal began attending the Balearic Islands training centre 50 kilometers away from Manacor in Palma.<ref name=Making1/> He and his uncle trained there three times a week, so that Nadal could train with the best boys in the Balearic Islands. There, he was trained along with his uncle Toni, by Toni Colom, who travelled with Nadal at mainly Futures events for the next four years, between 1999 and 2003.<ref name=Making1/> Colom explained that he "was traveling to those tournaments because I had a bigger availability of traveling [than Toni] and not because I was more experienced".<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/71631/rafael-nadal-hit-the-ball-in-a-different-way-than-other-kids-says-colom/ |title=Rafael Nadal hit the ball in a different way than other kids, says Colom |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=4 June 2019 |access-date=12 December 2023 }}</ref> After 2005, Nadal left the structure of the Balearic School and created his own team.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.puntodebreak.com/2019/06/01/pequeno-nadal-decia-cosas-parecia-persona-experiencia-anos |title=Conociendo al Rafael Nadal niño, por Toni Colom |trans-title=Getting to know Rafael Nadal as a child, by Toni Colom |language=es |website=www.puntodebreak.com |date=1 June 2019 |access-date=5 December 2023 }}</ref>

Nadal worked with the same team from 2006 to 2017, which consisted of members from his family and professional staff, whom Nadal also considered his family.<ref name=ESG>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://mba-esg.in/rafael-nadal-historic-journey-towards-winning-21-grand-slams/ |title=The team behind world's no. 1 tennis player |website=mba-esg.in |date=11 February 2022 |access-date=12 December 2023 }}</ref> Besides Toni, the first members of his team were Joan Forcades, Nadal's instructor since childhood,<ref name=ESG/> and doctor Ángel Ruiz Cotorro.<ref name=doctor>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/atp-tennis-news-rafael-nadal-delineates-his-faith-in-his-doctor-i-trust-dr-cotorro-with-my-life/ |title=Rafael Nadal Delineates His Faith in His Doctor – 'I Trust Dr. Cotorro With My Life.' |website=www.essentiallysports.com |date=10 June 2022 |access-date=12 December 2023 }}</ref> Cotorro, who also worked with Juan Martín del Potro and Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, helped him play after facing injuries and his suggestions were pivotal to his game.<ref name=doctor/> Nadal said of his doctor that: "I trust Dr. Cotorro with my life".<ref name=doctor/> Forcades was the lead fitness expert for Nadal and developed his training program.<ref name=ESG/>

Toni has described his coaching style as 'hard', saying that he occasionally put too much pressure on Nadal, but that he did so because he wanted him to succeed.<ref name=Roig>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/who-are-rafael-nadals-current-coaches-and-what-is-history-with-toni-nadal-carlos-moya-frances-roig/ |title=Who Are Rafael Nadal's Current Coaches and What is History with Toni Nadal? |website=www.essentiallysports.com |date=30 December 2019 |access-date=5 December 2023 }}</ref> Together, they won 16 major titles between 2005 and 2017, making them the second most successful tennis coach-player partnership only behind Marián Vajda and Novak Djokovic.<ref name=Roig/>

Carlos Costa was Nadal's agent from 2005.<ref name=protag>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/deportes/tenis/20170613/423360511080/equipo-rafa-nadal.html |title=Los protagonistas que acompañan a Nadal |trans-title=The protagonists who accompany Nadal |language=es |website=www.lavanguardia.com |date=13 June 2017 |access-date=12 December 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/87944/carlos-costa-on-rafael-nadal-s-unprecedented-successno-one-expects-this-from-anybody/ |title=Carlos Costa on Rafael Nadal's unprecedented success:No one expects this from anybody |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=23 May 2020 |access-date=12 December 2023 }}</ref> In 2006, Costa and Nadal's father convinced Benito Pérez Barbadillo, who had been working as the press officer of the ATP since the late 1990s, to open his own company (B1PR) to work with them as Nadal's communications director (PR manager).<ref name=protag/><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/40117/benito-barbadillo-from-jerez-circuit-to-becoming-nadal-s-agent-here-is-my-life-/ |title=Benito Barbadillo: 'From Jerez circuit to becoming Nadal's agent, here is my life' |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=6 January 2017 |access-date=12 December 2023 }}</ref> Nadal then hired physiotherapist Rafael Maymó, who designed his physical preparation with Forcades and who was one of Nadal's closest friends, thus also acting as a psychologist.<ref name=ESG/><ref name=protag/>

After signing his new coach Carlos Moyá in December 2016,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/12/17/tennis/tennis-nadal-coach-moya/%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal hires Carlos Moya as he bids to revive injury-hit career|publisher=CNN|date=17 December 2016|access-date=19 December 2016}}</ref> Nadal's game style acquired a more offensive approach. Under Moyá's direction, Nadal improved his serve,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/he-was-not-working-well-carlos-moya-explains-rafael-nadal-serve-evolution-atp-tennis-news/%7C title=Carlos Moya On Rafael Nadal Improving Serve| date= 20 May 2020 | author= Karthikeyan, Rishi }}</ref><ref name="auto"/> and incorporated serve-and-volley as a surprise tactic in some of his matches.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://tennishead.net/is-serve-and-volley-dead-not-so-according-to-the-worlds-leading-tennis-strategy-expert/%7C title=Is serve and volley dead? Not so according to the world's leading tennis strategy expert| date= 4 June 2020 | author= O'Shannessy, Craig}}</ref> Moyá, who has known Nadal since he was 12, was more a friend than a coach, and when he realized that Nadal was going through a bad time, he left his duty as a coach and acted like a friend with whom Nadal could speak to.<ref name=Roig/>

Francisco Roig, who was hired by Nadal in 2005, acted as the alternate coach.<ref name=Roig/><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-2017-return-to-no-1-roig%7Ctitle=Francisco Roig: "In Some Ways, This Is Our Biggest Goal" |website=atpworldtour.com|access-date=10 September 2017}}</ref>

Equipment and apparel

File:Nadal vs Federer RG 2007.jpg

Nadal wearing his signature Nike sleeveless shirt at the French Open in 2007, while holding his Babolat racquet

Nike served as Nadal's clothing and shoe sponsor. Nadal's signature on-court attire entailed a variety of sleeveless shirts paired with 3/4 length capri pants.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://nymag.com/fashion/08/fall/49256%7Ctitle=The Beefcake in the Backcourt|work=New York|date=17 August 2008|access-date=30 January 2009}}</ref> For the 2009 season, Nadal adopted more-traditional on-court apparel. Nike encouraged Nadal to update his look in order to reflect his new status as the sport's top player at that time.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/aus09/columns/story?columnist=tandon_kamakshi&id=3837536&campaign=rss&source=TENNISHeadlines%7Ctitle=Rafa Needs More Than a New Look|publisher=ESPN|date=17 January 2009|access-date=30 January 2009}}</ref> In 2009, Nadal played matches in a polo shirt specifically designed for him by Nike,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://cornedbeefhash.wordpress.com/2009/01/20/fashion-focus-rafa-after-a-hiccup-finally-grows-up/%7Ctitle=Fashion Focus: Rafael Nadal|publisher=Tennis Served Fresh|date=20 January 2009|access-date=30 January 2009}}</ref> paired with shorts cut above the knee. Nadal wore Nike's Air CourtBallistec 2.3 tennis shoes,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/descpageMSNIKEH-NMACBT.html |title=Nike Air CourtBallistec 1.3 |access-date=5 September 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224005406/http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com/descpageMSNIKEH-NMACBT.html |archive-date=24 February 2009 }}</ref> with various customizations throughout the season, including his nickname "Rafa" on the right shoe and a stylized bull logo on the left.

Nadal used an AeroPro Drive racquet with a Template:Frac-inch L2 grip. Template:As of, Nadal's racquets were painted to resemble the Babolat AeroPro Drive with Cortex GT racquet in order to market a current model that Babolat sold.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=154451%7Ctitle=Nadal Doesn't Use an APDC|publisher=Talk Tennis|date=1 September 2007|access-date=30 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826184636/http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=154451%7Carchive-date=26 August 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/usopen04/news/story?id=1872892%7Ctitle=The Tennis Racket|publisher=ESPN|date=2 September 2004|access-date=30 January 2009}}</ref> Nadal used no replacement grip, and instead wrapped two overgrips around the handle. He used Duralast 15L strings until the 2010 season, when he switched to Babolat's new, black-colored, RPM Blast string. Nadal's rackets were always strung at Template:Convert, regardless of which surface or conditions he played on.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Off the court

In popular culture

Nadal's autobiography, Rafa, written with John Carlin, was published in 2011.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://espn.go.com/tennis/usopen11/story/_/id/6896793/us-open-twenty-things-learn-rafael-nadal-autobiography%7Ctitle=U.S. Open – Twenty things we learn in Rafael Nadal's autobiography|last=Tandon|first=Kamakshi|date=26 August 2011|publisher=ESPN|access-date=31 May 2013}}</ref>

In February 2010, Rafael Nadal was featured in the music video for Shakira's "Gypsy".<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/tennis/03/18/tennis.film.nadal.amritraj.mcenroe/index.html |title=Ace actors serve up their film cameos |website=CNN |date=22 March 2010 |access-date=6 December 2023}}</ref> In 2016, Nadal was one of many celebrities appearing in the music video for RedOne's "Don't You Need Somebody".<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Rafael Nadal joins RedOne's celebrity music-video cast |website=Tennis.com |date=2016-06-20 |url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/rafael-nadal-joins-redone-s-celebrity-music-video-cast |access-date=2024-10-18}}</ref>

In 2018, Nadal was featured in a new ad for the 2018 tennis game Mario Tennis Aces.<ref name=Mario>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/nadal-cameos-in-new-ad-for-mario-tennis-aces |title=Nadal cameos in new ad for Mario Tennis Aces |website=tennis.com |date=28 June 2018 |access-date=6 December 2023}}</ref>

Nadal appeared in the 2024 documentary Federer: Twelve Final Days about Roger Federer's final tournament before his retirement, the 2022 Laver Cup.

Tributes and honors

File:Commemorative plaque to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros (2).jpg

Commemorative plaque to Rafael Nadal unveiled at the Court Philippe Chatrier during a tribute at the 2025 French Open

In April 2017, the centre court of the Barcelona Open was named Pista Rafa Nadal.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-barcelona-2017-court-ceremony%7C title=Nadal Has Barcelona Centre Court Named After Him|work=ATP World Tour }}</ref> In 2021, prior to the tournament, the French Open paid tribute to Nadal by installing a statue at Stade Roland Garros, created by Spanish sculptor Jordi Díez Fernández.<ref name="Roland-Garros statue">{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Statue in honour of Rafa unveiled at RG – The 2021 Roland-Garros Tournament official site|url=https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/article/rafael-nadal-statue-unveiled-at-roland-garros%7Caccess-date=7 June 2021|website=Roland-Garros}}</ref> 128036 Rafaelnadal is an asteroid discovered in 2003 and named after Nadal.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2008/07/nadalasteroid.aspx%7Ctitle=Asteroid Named After Rafael Nadal|publisher=ATP World Tour|date=13 July 2012|access-date=12 June 2012}}</ref>

At both the London and Rio Olympic Games, Nadal was chosen as Spain's flag bearer. Although he had to forfeit the role in 2012 due to injury, he carried the flag during the opening ceremony of the 2016 Games.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Juegos Olímpicos Río 2016: La sonrisa de Rafa Nadal guía al equipo español |website=Marca.com |date=2016-08-06 |url=https://www.marca.com/juegos-olimpicos/2016/08/06/57a53b83ca47419a0a8b45ea.html |language=es |access-date=2024-10-18}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|AV media|title=Rafa Nadal (Río 2016): "Ojalá que los siguientes que vengan lo puedan disfrutar igual que yo" |website=YouTube |date=2024-03-06 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=829EYcT03Zo |minutes=1 |access-date=2024-10-19 |quote=fue una experiencia increíble el hecho de poder compartir ese momento con todos|trans-quote=it was an incredible experience to be able to share that moment with everyone}}</ref>

In 2025, on the first day of the 2025 French Open, a new plaque commemorating Rafael Nadal's 14 Roland Garros trophies was unveiled on the Court Philippe Chatrier stadium's soil. The ceremony occurred in the presence of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, who came to pay tribute to Nadal's career.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The following month, Nadal was created Marquess of Llevant de Mallorca by King Felipe VI, becoming a member of Spanish nobility.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> As a marquess, he is entitled to the style of "The Most Illustrious", however, as a knight grand cross of some orders such as the Royal Order of Sports Merit and the Grand Cross of Naval Merit, he receives the higher treatment of "The Most Excellent".<ref>Rafael Nadal retained the style of The Most Excellent as Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Philanthropy

In November 2007, Nadal launched the nonprofit Fundación Rafa Nadal. The foundation was created to help disadvantaged children and teenagers, offering them opportunities through sports. His wife María Perelló is the director of the foundation.<ref name="fundacionteam">{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Team |website=Fundación Rafa Nadal |date=2022-07-27 |url=https://www.fundacionrafanadal.org/en/about-us/team/ |access-date=2024-10-19}}</ref>

In response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Nadal played in a special charity event alongside fellow top tennis players during the 2010 Australian Open called Hit for Haiti, with proceeds going to Haiti earthquake victims.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/tennis/3236457/Tennis-stars-revel-in-Hit-for-Haiti-fundraiser |title=Tennis stars revel in 'Hit for Haiti' fundraiser |work=Stuff.co.nz |date=18 January 2010 |access-date=5 December 2023}}</ref> He participated in a follow-up charity exhibition during the 2010 Indian Wells Open.<ref name=":2010exhib">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In late 2010, Nadal played his rival Roger Federer in the Match for Africa exhibitions for the Roger Federer Foundation and the Rafa Nadal Foundation. The first match took place in Zürich on 21 December, and was won by Federer, while the following match was played in Madrid, and was won by Nadal.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.livetennisguide.com/2010/12/federer-vs-nadal-exhibition-match-contributed-r17millions-at-zurich/ |title=Federer vs Nadal Exhibition Match, Contributed R17Millions at Zurich |website=www.livetennisguide.com |date=21 December 2010 |access-date=5 December 2023 }}</ref>

During the Majorca flood in October 2018, Nadal, who was recovering from injury at home in Majorca, opened his tennis academy centre to the victims.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/45820609%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal opens his tennis academy centre to Majorca flood victims|date=11 October 2018|access-date=24 January 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> One day after the flood he worked personally with some friends to help the victims, being photographed cleaning up once the flood waters had receded.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-45831046/rafael-nadal-joins-majorca-clean-up-effort%7Ctitle=Nadal joins Majorca clean-up effort|publisher=BBC News|access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://elpais.com/elpais/2018/12/20/inenglish/1545318952_662213.html%7Ctitle=Tennis star Rafael Nadal donates €1m to victims of Mallorca flash floods|last=Bohórquez|first=Lucía|date=20 December 2018|work=El País|access-date=25 January 2019|issn=1134-6582}}</ref> Later, Nadal donated €1 million for rebuilding Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, the most affected town.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/63987/rafa-nadal-donates-eur1-million-for-rebuilding-sant-llorenc-des-cardassar/%7Ctitle=Rafa Nadal donates €1 million for Rebuilding Sant Llorenç des Cardassar|website=Tennis World USA|date=21 December 2018 |access-date=24 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/tennis/rafael-nadal-donates-1million-flood-13761066%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal donates â'¬1million to Mallorca flood victims|last=Sobot|first=Rita|date=20 December 2018|website=mirror|access-date=24 January 2019}}</ref> Nadal also organized other charitable activities to help repair the damage of the disaster, such as the Olazábal & Nadal charity golf tournament.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://rafanadal-kingoftennis.ru/news/photos_video_olazabal_nadal_invitational_2018_charity_golf_tournament/2018-12-15-4099%7Ctitle=PHOTOS/VIDEO: Olazábal & Nadal Invitational 2018 charity golf tournament – 15 Декабря 2018 – RAFA NADAL – KING OF TENNIS|website=rafanadal-kingoftennis.ru|access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.majorcadailybulletin.com/news/local/2018/12/20/54109/nadal-donates-one-million-sant-llorenc.html%7Ctitle=Nadal donates one million to Sant Llorenç|date=20 December 2018|website=Majorca Daily Bulletin|access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.efe.com/efe/english/sports/nadal-donates-1-million-to-victims-of-flash-floods-in-spain-s-mallorca/50000266-3848579%7Ctitle=Nadal donates $1.1 million to victims of flash floods in Spain's Mallorca|website=www.efe.com|access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref>

To combat the ill-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nadal joined with Pau Gasol and the Red Cross in June to help raise 11 million euros.<ref name=":rafa2020covid">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2020, the Fundación Rafa Nadal pledged to support the Food Bank of Mallorca, announcing that it would aim to collect 3,000 kg of food to support 25,000 individuals in Mallorca.<ref name=":rafa2020foodbank">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

On 6 April 2023, the Fundación Rafa Nadal announced that they would partner with UNESCO through its Fit for Life project, a sport-based flagship program designed to tackle physical inactivity, such as accelerating the recovery from COVID-19, mental health issues, and inequality.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-and-rafa-nadal-foundation-launch-their-partnership-international-day-sport-development-and |title=UNESCO and the Rafa Nadal Foundation launch their partnership on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace |website=www.unesco.org |date=20 April 2023 |access-date=5 December 2023}}</ref> In 2024, The Rafa Nadal Foundation received the Laureus Sport for Good Award at the Laureus World Sports Awards 2024.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Nadal supports or has supported other charities, such as City Harvest, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and Small Steps Project.<ref name=mobfacts>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/rafael-nadal%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal: Charity Work & Causes|website=Look to the Stars|access-date=24 January 2019}}</ref>Template:Better source needed<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/rafael-nadal%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal: Charity Work & Causes|website=Look to the Stars|access-date=24 January 2019}}</ref> Nadal was awarded the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year award for 2011.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Tennis_Stories/2321/rafa-nadal-wins-arthur-ashe-humanitarian-award/ |title=Rafa Nadal wins Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=24 November 2011 |access-date=5 December 2023}}</ref>

Sponsorships and endorsements

Nadal was sponsored by Kia Motors since 2006. He appeared in advertising campaigns for Kia as a global ambassador for the company.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Rafael Nadal and Kia Motors double up for another five years|url=http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com/MediaCenter/News/Press-Releases/kia-motor-Rafael-Nadal-support-eng-150504.hub%7Cwebsite=Hyundai Motor Group|access-date=25 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525181424/http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com/MediaCenter/News/Press-Releases/kia-motor-Rafael-Nadal-support-eng-150504.hub%7Carchive-date=25 May 2015}}</ref>

He became the face of Lanvin's L'Homme Sport cologne in April 2009.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|author=Marie-Helene Wagner |url=http://www.mimifroufrou.com/scentedsalamander/2009/03/lanvin_lhomme_sport_2009_front.html |title=Lanvin L'Homme Sport (2009): Fronted by Rafael Nadal |publisher=Mimifroufrou.com |date=3 March 2009 |access-date=3 June 2011 |archive-date=2 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402082901/http://www.mimifroufrou.com/scentedsalamander/2009/03/lanvin_lhomme_sport_2009_front.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Nadal was the international ambassador for Quely, a biscuit company from his native Mallorca.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.rafaelnadal.com/content/rafa-nadal-quelys-embassador |title=Rafa Nadal is Quely's Template:As written |publisher=Rafaelnadal.com |date=21 December 2009 |access-date=3 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624060423/http://www.rafaelnadal.com/content/rafa-nadal-quelys-embassador |archive-date=24 June 2011 }}</ref> In 2010, luxury watchmaker Richard Mille announced that he had developed an ultra-light wristwatch in collaboration with Nadal.<ref name="watchmaker">{{#invoke:Cite|news| first=Rob | last=Corder | title=Rafael Nadal to wear $525,000 Richard Mille watch | date=5 April 2010 | publisher=Professional Jeweller}}</ref>

Nadal was the face of Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans for the spring/summer 2011 collection.<ref name="TS">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_28805.shtml |title=Rafael Nadal strips to his undies for Armani |publisher=Typicallyspanish.com |date=20 January 2011 |access-date=3 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831081802/http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_28805.shtml |archive-date=31 August 2011 }}</ref><ref name=ffrf>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://ffrf.org/ftod-cr/item/17603-rafael-nadal |title=Rafael Nadal |website=ffrf.org |date=3 June 1980 |access-date=12 December 2023 }}</ref> This was the first time that the label had chosen a tennis player for the job.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Cowles |first=Charlotte |url=http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2010/12/raphael_nadal_replaces_cristia.html |title=Rafael Nadal Replaces Cristiano Ronaldo as the New Face of Emporio Armani Underwear |work=New York |date=10 December 2010 |access-date=3 June 2011}}</ref>

In June 2012, Nadal joined the group of sports endorsers of the PokerStars online poker cardroom.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Tennis Champion Rafael Nadal Joins Team PokerStars |url=http://www.pokernews.com/news/2012/06/tennis-champion-rafael-nadal-joins-team-pokerstars-12909.htm |work=Poker News |date=21 June 2012 |access-date=19 July 2014}}</ref> Nadal won a charity poker tournament against retired Brazilian football player Ronaldo in 2014.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Daily Bagel: Nadal accepts Ronaldo's poker game challenge |date=18 September 2014 |url=https://www.si.com/tennis/2014/09/18/daily-bagel-rafa-nadal-ronaldo-poker-game |access-date=31 August 2018 |agency=Sports Illustrated}}</ref>

In August 2023, Nadal signed up as the brand ambassador for the Indian IT major Infosys.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Infosys Onboards Tennis Icon Rafael Nadal as Ambassador for the Brand and Infosys' Digital Innovation |url=https://www.infosys.com/newsroom/press-releases/2023/rafael-nadal-brand-ambassador.html |access-date=24 August 2023 |website=www.infosys.com}}</ref>

Rafa Nadal Sports Centre

Nadal owns and trained at the Rafa Nadal Sports Centre (Template:Cvt) in his hometown of Manacor, Mallorca. The centre houses the Rafa Nadal Academy, where the American International School of Mallorca is located.<ref name=sportscentre>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.scoreandchange.com/the-brand-rafael-nadal-businesses-part-2/ |title=The Brand Rafael Nadal: Businesses (Part 2) |publisher=Score and Change |date=5 March 2019 |access-date=10 June 2019 }}</ref> The academy is used by both young Spanish tennis players as well as players from other countries. For instance, in 2017, the Australian tennis federation agreed to partner with Nadal's Academy to allow their players use it as their European training base.<ref name=sportscentre/><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennis.com.au/news/2017/01/27/tennis-australia-teams-up-with-rafa-nadal-academy |title=Tennis Australia teams up with Rafa Nadal Academy |website=www.tennis.com.au |date=27 January 2017 |access-date=5 December 2023 }}</ref> Nadal's coach and uncle Toni Nadal is the head of the academy, his agent Carlos Costa is the head of business development, and fellow Majorcan Carlos Moyá is involved as a technical director.<ref name=sportscentre/>

In 2021, a four-episode series about the Rafa Nadal Academy was aired on Amazon Prime and Movistar and was broadcast in 244 countries.<ref name=docuseries>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.rafanadalacademy.com/en/news/the-rafa-nadal-academy-documentary-goes-around-the-world |title=The Rafa Nadal Academy Documentary goes around the world |website=www.rafanadalacademy.com |access-date=6 December 2023}}</ref> Nadal also owns and operates three other similar facilities: the Rafa Nadal Academy Kuwait,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.rafanadalacademykuwait.com/ |title=Home |website=rafanadalacademykuwait.com |access-date=25 May 2021}}</ref> the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre Mexico<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.rafanadaltenniscentre.com/en |title=Home |website=rafanadaltenniscentre.com |access-date=25 May 2021}}</ref> and the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre Greece.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.rafanadalacademy.com/ru/rafa-nadal-tennis-centre-greece |title=Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre Grecia |website=rafanadalacademy.com |access-date=25 May 2021}}</ref> The Mexico and Greece Centres opened in 2019 and the Kuwait Academy opened in 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.rafanadalacademy.com/en/news/rafa-nadal-david-ferrer-open-rafa-nadal-academy-kuwait |title=Rafa Nadal and David Ferrer Officially Open the Rafa Nadal Academy Kuwait |website=rafanadalacademy.com |access-date=25 May 2021}}</ref>

As of 2024, Nadal will promote tennis in Saudi Arabia and open a Rafa Nadal Academy there.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Involvement in football and other sports

Nadal is an avid football fan and his favorite clubs are RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid CF,<ref name=ffrf/> stating "when my uncle (Miguel Ángel) was playing for Barcelona, we wanted Barcelona to win. Before that, my whole family was for Real Madrid. After my uncle left the Barcelona team, then we're all for the Real Madrid again. I have got nothing against Barcelona, but I prefer Real Madrid to win".<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://rafaelnadalfans.com/2018/06/23/heres-what-rafael-nadal-had-to-say-after-his-wimbledon-debut-in-2003/ |title=Here's what Rafael Nadal said after his Wimbledon debut in 2003 |website=rafaelnadalfans.com |date=23 June 2018 |access-date=5 December 2023 }}</ref> He is a fervent supporter of the Spanish national team, and he was one of six people not affiliated with the team or the national federation allowed to enter the team's locker room following Spain's victory in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final.<ref name=Football/> Nadal has made several honorary kick-offs for various teams.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.marca.com/2012/10/21/en/more_sports/1350846549.html |title=King Nadal takes kick-off in the Parc des Princes |website=www.marca.com |date=21 October 2012 |access-date=6 December 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/nadal-honoured-by-maracana-kickoff/article5702781.ece |title=Nadal 'honoured' by Maracana kick-off |website=www.thehindu.com |date=18 February 2014 |access-date=5 December 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/videos/Rafael_Nadal/113218/rafael-nadal-guest-of-honor-of-real-madrid/ |title=Rafael Nadal guest of honor of Real Madrid |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=1 May 2022 |access-date=6 December 2023 }}</ref><ref name=":rafa2023kickoff">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In December 2007, in the "Friends of Iker v Friends of Rafa" charity sports event, the two teams contested a tennis match and a football match.<ref name=Iker>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.hcfoo.asia/2007/12/friends-of-rafa-vs-friends-of-iker.html |title=Friends of Rafa vs Friends of Iker |website=www.hcfoo.asia |date=23 December 2007 |access-date=5 December 2023}}</ref> In December 2008, Nadal and Casillas staged a similar event, this time including an indoor football match, a tennis match, and a go-kart race.<ref name=MotoGP>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/motogp/2008/december/dec1808-motogp-stars-help-red-cross-/ |title=MotoGP stars help Red Cross |website=www.motorcyclenews.com |date=18 December 2008 |access-date=5 December 2023}}</ref><ref name=Eto>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/football/nadal-fights-malaria-from-goal-com-304289.html |title=Casillas denies Eto'o again in 'Iker Vs Nadal' charity game |website=www.news18.com |date=18 December 2008 |access-date=5 December 2023}}</ref>

In July 2010, it was reported that he had become a shareholder of RCD Mallorca (owning 10%).<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKLDE66727020100708 | work=Reuters | title=Soccer-Rafa Nadal becomes shareholder at troubled Real Mallorca | date=9 July 2010}}</ref> He was offered the role of vice president, which he rejected.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| url=http://www.realmallorca.co.uk/news/club/2010/sale-of-the-club-completed | work=Real Mallorca | title=Sale of the club completed | date=7 September 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911090749/http://www.realmallorca.co.uk/news/club/2010/sale-of-the-club-completed | archive-date=11 September 2012 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> His uncle Miguel Ángel Nadal became assistant coach. Shortly after acquiring his interest in Mallorca, Nadal called out UEFA for apparent hypocrisy in ejecting the club from the 2010–11 UEFA Europa League for excessive debts.<ref name=Football>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5542102/rafael-nadal-tries-save-mallorca-football-club |title=Rafa to the rescue |first=Graham |last=Hunter |publisher=ESPN |date=9 September 2010 |access-date=21 December 2010}}</ref>

Nadal enjoys playing golf and poker.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|first=Bill |last=Smith |title=Away from tennis court, Rafael Nadal seeks a golf course |work=The Miami Herald |date=28 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=When the chips are down, he raises game against Rafa |last=Dwyre |first=Bill |work=Los Angeles Times |date=2015-03-15 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-when-the-chips-are/157409545/ |access-date=2024-10-19}}</ref> In October 2020, Nadal competed in the professional-level Balearic Golf Championship, obtaining a World Amateur Golf Ranking in the process.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/10/26/golf/rafael-nadal-balearic-golf-championship-spt-intl/index.html%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal swaps tennis rackets for golf clubs and finishes sixth in professional event|first=Ben|last=Morse|website=CNN|date=26 October 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-golf-event-october-2020%7Ctitle=From Court To Course: Rafael Nadal Shines In Balearic Golf Championship Template:Pipe ATP Tour Template:Pipe Tennis|website=ATP Tour}}</ref>

Personal life

Family and beliefs

In June 2009, reports emerged that Nadal's parents, Ana María and Sebastián, had separated, following weeks of speculation about his recent struggles on the court.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news| url=http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon09/columns/story?columnist=garber_greg&id=4280346 | publisher=ESPN | title=Personal woes affecting Rafa? | date=23 July 2009}}</ref> Nadal later stated "My parents' divorce made an important change in my life. It affected me. After that, I couldn't play Wimbledon, it was tough."<ref name=quotes/>

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 only formalized their relationship publicly in 2007, with their engagement reported in January 2019.<ref name=perello>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-what-does-rafael-nadals-wife-xisca-perello-do-profession-education-and-career/ |title=What does Rafael Nadal's Wife Xisca Perello Do? |website=essentiallysports.com |date=6 October 2021 |access-date=5 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/01/31/tennis/rafael-nadal-mery-perello-engaged-spt-intl/index.html%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal engaged to girlfriend of 14 years Mery Perello|publisher=CNN|date=31 January 2019|access-date=31 January 2019}}</ref> In October 2019, the couple was married at the La Fortaleza castle in Port de Pollença, Majorca.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1084165/tennis-star-rafael-nadal-marries-maria-francisca-perello-in-spain%7Ctitle=Tennis Star Rafael Nadal Marries Maria Francisca Perello In Spain|date=19 October 2019|last=Boyle|first=Kelli|access-date=19 October 2019|publisher=E! Online}}</ref> On 8 October 2022, they had their first child, a son.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/vaya-mundo/20221010/1001879643/nombre-le-han-puesto-rafa-nadal-mery-perello-hijo-dct.html%7Ctitle=Este es el nombre que le han puesto Rafa Nadal y Mery Perelló a su hijo|publisher=Mundo Deportivo|language=ES|date=10 October 2022|access-date= 10 October 2022}}</ref> Nadal had previously commented on not starting a family early and expressed a desire to have children in the future, reflecting on the unpredictability of life during his ongoing tennis career.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/1548593/rafael-nadal-wife-xisca-perello-children-baby-delay-australian-open-2022-news |title='My commitment is to tennis' Rafael Nadal speaks out on family delay with wife |website=express.co.uk |date=17 January 2022 |access-date=5 December 2023}}</ref> On 7 August 2025, the couple welcomed their second son.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Mery Perelló was a sports marketer in London, but as she saw Nadal's career getting bigger, she decided to help his off-court business.<ref name=perello/> She now serves as the director of Fundación Rafa Nadal.<ref name="fundacionteam"/>

Nadal was raised a Catholic, but now identifies as an agnostic atheist.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://hollowverse.com/rafael-nadal |title=What are the political views and Religious Beliefs of Rafael Nadal? |website=hollowverse.com |access-date=12 December 2023}}</ref>

Nadal's native languages are Spanish and Balearic Catalan; he speaks conversational English.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Residences

When Nadal was aged 10 to 21, the extended Nadal family shared a five-storey, family-owned apartment building in Manacor.<ref name=Making1/><ref name="Rajaraman" /> In 2012, Nadal purchased a house in Porto Cristo for about 4 million euros, located near his family home.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/rafael-nadals-house/view/google/ |title=Rafael Nadal's House Porto Cristo, Spain |website=virtualglobetrotting.com |date=5 April 2014 |access-date=5 December 2023}}</ref> Around the time he won the 2012 French Open, Nadal acquired a vacation home, a two-story villa in Playa Nueva Romana, in the Dominican Republic, for about 2 million euros.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/inside-rafael-nadal-2-million-beach-home-with-photos |title=Inside Rafael Nadal's $2 million beach home, with photos |website=clutchpoints.com |date=2 May 2023 |access-date=5 December 2023}}</ref>

Other endeavors

As a young boy, he would run home from school to watch his favorite Japanese anime, Dragon Ball, and CNN dubbed him "the Dragon Ball of tennis" for his unorthodox style.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Johnson|first=Christopher|title=Rafael Nadal: The "Dragon Ball" of tennis|url=http://www.cnngo.com/tokyo/play/rafael-nadal-dragon-ball-tennis-216638%7Caccess-date=31 December 2011|publisher=CNN|date=8 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131190153/http://www.cnngo.com/tokyo/play/rafael-nadal-dragon-ball-tennis-216638%7Carchive-date=31 January 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Off the court, his sister described him as "a bit of a scaredy cat".<ref name=twenty>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/tennis/usopen11/story/_/id/6896793/us-open-twenty-things-learn-rafael-nadal-autobiography |title=U.S. Open – Twenty things we learn in Rafael Nadal's autobiography |work=ESPN |date=26 August 2011 |access-date=12 December 2023 }}</ref> Since childhood, he has had a fear of the dark, preferring to sleep with a light or television on.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/28192/seven-things-you-don-t-know-about-rafael-nadal/ |title=Seven things you don´t know about Rafael Nadal |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=10 December 2015 |access-date=12 December 2023 }}</ref> Nadal is afraid of deep water, dogs, and thunderstorms, and is nervous about riding a bicycle.<ref name=scroll/><ref name=twenty/>

Despite playing tennis left-handed, Nadal is right-handed in other activities.<ref name=Bio/><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://tennishead.net/i-am-a-bit-strange-admits-rafael-nadal-as-he-discusses-rare-talent/%7Ctitle='I am a bit strange,' admits Rafael Nadal as he discusses rare talent|date=9 November 2020|access-date=1 September 2021|publisher=Tennishead}}</ref>

Health

Throughout his career, Nadal had chronic knee injuries, sidelining him from multiple tournaments. In late 2012, Nadal received over six months of physical therapy, along with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a non-surgical treatment that had been previously disallowed by the World Anti-Doping Agency.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://nyboneandjoint.com/blog/rafael-nadal-overcomes-knee-injury-with-prp-therapy-to-win-the-us-open-2017/ |title=Rafael Nadal Overcomes Knee Injury With PRP Therapy To Win The US Open 2017 |website=nyboneandjoint.com |date=11 September 2017 |access-date=12 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|journal|last1=Wasterlain |first1=Amy S. |last2=Braun |first2=Hillary J. |last3=Harris |first3=Alex H.S. |last4=Kim |first4=Hyeon-Joo |last5=Dragoo |first5=Jason L. |title=The Systemic Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection |journal=The American Journal of Sports Medicine |publisher=SAGE Publications |volume=41 |issue=1 |date=2012-12-04 |issn=0363-5465 |doi=10.1177/0363546512466383 |pages=186–193|pmid=23211708 }}</ref>

Nadal has a rare chronic disorder of his left ankle, Mueller-Weiss syndrome, diagnosed age 19. He received anesthetic injections en route to winning the 2022 French Open.<ref name="palmbeachpost">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Career statistics

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

Grand Slam tournament performance timeline

Tournament	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	Template:Abbr	Template:Abbr	Template:Abbr
Australian Open	A	3R	4R	A	QF	SF	W	QF	QF	F	A	F	QF	1R	F	QF	F	QF	QF	W	2R	A	2 / 18	77–16	Template:Tennis win percentage
French Open	A	A	W	W	W	W	4R	W	W	W	W	W	QF	3RTemplate:Efn-ua	W	W	W	W	SF	W	A	1R	14 / 19	112–4	Template:Tennis win percentage
Wimbledon	3R	A	2R	F	F	W	A	W	F	2R	1R	4R	2R	A	4R	SF	SF	NH	A	SFTemplate:Efn-ua	A	A	2 / 15	58–12	Template:Tennis win percentage
US Open	2R	2R	3R	QF	4R	SF	SF	W	F	A	W	A	3R	4R	W	SF	W	A	A	4R	A	A	4 / 16	67–12	Template:Tennis win percentage
Win–loss	3–2	3–2	13–3	17–2	20–3	24–2	15–2	25–1	23–3	14–2	14–1	16–2	11–4	5–2	23–2	21–3	24–2	11–1	9–2	22–1	1–1	0–1	Template:Nowrap	[[All-time tennis records – Men's singles#Matches|Template:Nowrap]]	Template:Tennis win percentage

Template:Notelist-ua {{#lst:Rafael Nadal career statistics|SlamFinals}}

Year–End Championships performance timeline

Tournament	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	SR	W–L	Win %
ATP Finals	Did not qualify				A	SF	SF	A	RR	F	RR	A	F	A	SF	A	RR	A	RR	SF	DNQ	RR	Did not qualify		0 / 11	21–18	Template:Tennis win percentage

{{#lst:Rafael Nadal career statistics|YECFinals}}

Olympic gold medal matches

Singles: 1 (1 Gold medal)

Result	Year	Tournament	Surface	Opponent	Score
Win	2008	Summer Olympics (Beijing)	Hard	icon|CHI}} Fernando González	6–3, 7–6(7–2), 6–3

Doubles: 1 (1 Gold medal)

Result	Year	Tournament	Surface	Partner	Opponents	Score
Win	2016	Summer Olympics (Rio)	Hard	icon|ESP}} Marc López	icon|ROM}} Florin Mergea {{#invoke:flag|icon|ROM}} Horia Tecău	6–2, 3–6, 6–4

Records

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

All-time tournament records

Tournament	Since	Record accomplished	Players matched
Grand Slam tournaments	1988	Career Golden Slam Winning all 4 majors and the Olympic gold medal in singles	Andre Agassi Novak Djokovic
		Career Golden Slam + Olympic gold medal in doublesTemplate:Efn	Stands alone
	1978	Surface Slam Winning majors on 3 different surfaces in a calendar year (2010)	Novak Djokovic
	1877	14 singles titles at one major – French Open	Stands alone
		14 finals contested at one major – French Open	Stands alone
		112 match wins at one major – French Open	Stands alone
	1925	112 match wins at clay court majors	Stands alone
		96.6% match-winning percentage at clay court majors	Stands alone
		4 French–US title doubles (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019)	Stands alone
	1877	15 years winning 1+ title (2005–2014, 2017–2020, 2022)	Stands alone
		10 consecutive years winning 1+ title (2005–2014)	Stands alone
		web|url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/603100-most-grand-slam-singles-titles-defended%7Ctitle=Most Grand Slam singles titles defended|date=14 November 2019 |publisher=Guinness World Records}}</ref>	Roger Federer
		10 title defences at one major – French Open<ref name="Title-defences" />	Stands alone
		4 titles without losing a set	Stands alone
		4 titles without losing a set at one major – French Open	Stands alone
		3+ titles in 3 separate decades (2000s – 6, 2010s – 13, 2020s – 3)	Stands alone
		2+ titles in 3 separate decades	Stands alone
		Won the same major twice in 3 separate decades – French Open	Stands alone
		Longest Grand Slam final by duration (5 hours 53 minutes)	Novak Djokovic
French Open	1891	14 men's singles titles	Stands alone
		14 finals overall (2005–08, 2010–14, 2017–19, 2020, 2022)	Stands alone
		5 consecutive titles (2010–14)	Stands alone
		10 title defences (2006–08, 2011–14, 2018–2020)<ref name="Title-defences" />	Stands alone
		4 titles without dropping a set (2008, 2010, 2017, 2020)	Stands alone
		112 match wins	Stands alone
		39 match win streak (2010–15)	Stands alone
		96.6% match-winning percentage	Stands alone
		2+ titles in 3 separate decades (2000s – 4, 2010s – 8, 2020s – 2)	Stands alone
		1+ title in 3 separate decades	Stands alone
Australian Open	1905	Longest final by duration (5 hours 53 minutes)	Novak Djokovic
All Tournaments / ATP Tour	2009	Clay Slam<ref name="CLAYSLAM">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/article/rafael-nadal-stats-and-milestones-rg19%7Ctitle=Rafa's Record Career in Numbers|publisher=Roland-Garros}}</ref> Winning Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, and French Open in a calendar year (2010)	Stands alone
	1899	Summer Slam Also referred to as the "North American Hardcourt Slam". Winning Canada, Cincinnati, and US Open in a calendar year (2013)	Patrick Rafter Andy Roddick
	1973	23 match wins against world No. 1 players<ref>The world No. 1 players who Nadal has defeated in his career are Roger Federer (13 times) and Novak Djokovic (10 times).<ref name="tennisworldusa">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/115118/rafael-nadal-beats-world-no-1-18-years-after-doing-that-for-the-first-time/%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal beats world No. 1 18 years after doing that for the first time|date=9 June 2022|publisher=tennisworldusa}}</ref></ref>	Stands alone
		912 consecutive weeks in the Top 10	Stands alone
		18 consecutive years in the Top 10	Stands alone
ATP Finals	1970	16 consecutive years qualifying for the ATP Finals<ref name="ATPFQUALI">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.nittoatpfinals.com/en/heritage/historical-stats%7Ctitle=Historical Stats|access-date=2 March 2022|publisher=Nitto ATP Finals}}</ref> (2005–2020)	Stands alone
ATP Masters 1000	1990	11 titles won at a single tournament – Monte Carlo	Stands alone
		12 finals contested at a single tournament – Monte Carlo and Rome	Novak Djokovic
		8 consecutive titles won at a single tournament – Monte Carlo (2005–2012)	Stands alone
		26 clay court titles overall	Stands alone
		9 title defences at a single tournament – Monte Carlo	Stands alone
		10+ titles at two tournaments – Monte Carlo and Rome	Stands alone
		4 consecutive titles in a season (2013)	Novak Djokovic
		7 years winning 3+ titles (2005–2018)	Stands alone
		15 years winning 1+ title (2005–2021)	Stands alone
		10 consecutive years winning 1+ title (2005–2014)	Stands alone
		73 match wins at a single tournament – Monte Carlo	Stands alone
		46 consecutive match wins at a single tournament – Monte Carlo (2005–2013)	Stands alone
		79 matches played at a single tournament – Monte Carlo	Roger Federer
		web|url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/stat-of-the-day-rafael-nadal-53rd-masters-1000-final-20th-on-hard-indian-wells%7Ctitle=STAT OF THE DAY: RAFAEL NADAL REACHES 53RD MASTERS 1000 FINAL, 20TH ON HARD COURTS|date=20 March 2022|publisher=tennis.com}}</ref>	Stands alone
		76 semifinals	Stands alone
		99 quarterfinals	Stands alone
		web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/98289/rafael-nadal-moves-closer-to-his-own-record-after-18th-consecutive-masters-1000-qf/%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal moves closer to his own record after 18th consecutive Masters 1000 QF|date=21 May 2021|publisher=tennisworldusa}}</ref> (2008–2010)	Stands alone
		82.00% match-winning percentage	Stands alone
ATP 500 Series	1990	12 titles won at a single tournament – Barcelona	Stands alone
		web|url=https://www.ultimatetennisstatistics.com/record?recordId=ATP500TitlesWonWOLosingSet%7Ctitle=ATP 500/CS Titles Won W/O Losing Set|date=18 June 2022|publisher=Ultimate Tennis Statistics}}</ref>	Stands alone
		14 consecutive years winning 1+ title (2005–2018)	Stands alone
		web|url=https://www.ultimatetennisstatistics.com/record?recordId=ATP500TournamentMatchesWon%7Ctitle=Most Matches Won at Single ATP 500/CS Tournament|date=18 June 2022|publisher=Ultimate Tennis Statistics}}</ref>	Stands alone
		web|url=https://www.ultimatetennisstatistics.com/record?recordId=ATP500TournamentWinningStreak%7Ctitle=Winning Streak at Single ATP 500/CS Tournament|date=18 June 2022|publisher=Ultimate Tennis Statistics}}</ref>	Stands alone
		web|url=https://www.ultimatetennisstatistics.com/record?recordId=ATP500TournamentMatchesPlayed%7Ctitle=Most Matches Played at Single ATP 500/CS Tournament|date=18 June 2022|publisher=Ultimate Tennis Statistics}}</ref>	Stands alone
Monte Carlo Masters	1897	11 men's singles titles	Stands alone
		12 finals overall (2005–2013, 2016–18)	Stands alone
		8 consecutive titles (2005–2012)	Stands alone
		9 consecutive finals (2005–2013)	Stands alone
		5 titles without dropping a set (2007–08, 2010, 2012, 2018)	Stands alone
		73 matches wins (2005–2021)	Stands alone
		46 match win streak (2005–2013)	Stands alone
		79 matches played (2005–2021)	Stands alone
		17 editions played (2003–2021)	Fabrice Santoro
Barcelona Open	1953	12 men's singles titles	Stands alone
		12 finals overall (2005–09, 2011–13, 2016–18, 2021)	Stands alone
		5 consecutive titles (2005–09)	Stands alone
		9 titles without dropping a set (2005, 2007, 2009, 2011–13, 2016–18)	Stands alone
		3 three-peats (2005–09, 2011–13, 2016–18)	Stands alone
Italian Open	1930	10 men's singles titles	Stands alone
		12 finals overall (2005–07, 2009–2014, 2018–19, 2021)	Novak Djokovic
		3 consecutive titles (2005–07)	Stands alone
		6 consecutive finals (2009–2014)	Stands alone
		69 match wins (2005–2022)	Stands alone
		17 consecutive match wins (2005–07)	Stands alone
		77 matches played (2005–2022)	Stands alone
Madrid Open	2002	5 men's singles titles	Stands alone
		8 finals overall (2005, 2009–2011, 2013–15, 2017)	Stands alone
		2 consecutive titles (2013–14)	Stands alone
		3 consecutive finals (2009–2011 & 2013–15)	Stands alone
Mexican Open	1993	4 men's singles titles	David Ferrer Thomas Muster
		5 finals overall (2005, 2013, 2017, 2020, 2022)	David Ferrer
		4 titles without dropping a set (2005, 2013, 2020, 2022)	Stands alone

Open Era records

• These records were attained in the Open Era of tennis.
• Records in bold indicate peer-less achievements.
• Records in italics are currently active streaks.
• ^ Denotes consecutive streak.

Time span	Selected Grand Slam tournament records	Players matched	Ref.
2005 French Open – 2010 US Open	Career Golden Slam	Andre Agassi Novak Djokovic	news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/tennis/story/?id=333700%7Ctitle=Nadal Captures U.S. Open To Complete Career Grand Slam|publisher=The Sports Network (TSN)|date=14 September 2010|access-date=12 June 2012|quote=Nadal...also owns an Olympic gold medal, which makes him one of only two men to corral the Career Golden Slam, with the great Agassi being the other.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105221727/http://www.tsn.ca/tennis/story/?id=333700%7Carchive-date=5 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
2005 French Open – 2010 US Open	Youngest to achieve a Career Golden Slam (24)	Stands alone	<ref name=goldenslam/>
	Youngest to achieve a Career Grand Slam (24)	Stands alone	news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/sports/tennis/14tennis.html%7Ctitle=Nadal Caps Career Grand Slam|first=Christopher|last=Clarey|newspaper=The New York Times|date=13 September 2010|access-date=28 April 2012}}</ref>
2010 French Open – 2010 US Open	Surface Slam	Novak Djokovic	news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/usopen10/columns/story?columnist=garber_greg&id=5563873%7Ctitle=Nadal's three-peat no small feat|first=Greg|last=Garber|publisher=ESPN|date=13 September 2010|access-date=14 June 2012|quote=[W]inning on three different surfaces in that narrow time frame is unprecedented.}}</ref>
	Simultaneous holder of majors on clay, grass, and hard courts	Novak Djokovic	<ref name="three-peat no small feat" />
2008 French Open – 2008 Wimbledon, 2010 French Open – 2010 Wimbledon	Channel Slam Winning French Open and Wimbledon consecutively in a calendar year	Rod Laver Björn Borg Roger Federer Novak Djokovic Carlos Alcaraz	news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon11/columns/story?columnist=tandon_kamakshi&id=6671943%7Ctitle=Nadal eyes another Channel Slam|publisher=ESPN|first=Kamakshi|last=Tandon|date=17 June 2011|access-date=10 June 2012}}</ref>
2008 French Open – 2008 Summer Olympics	Simultaneous holder of Olympic gold medal in singles and majors on clay and grass courts	Stands alone	news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/columns/story?columnist=tandon_kamakshi&id=4768263%7Ctitle=What's your tennis IQ? – 2009 tennis holiday quiz|publisher=ESPN|first=Kamakshi|last=Tandon|date=24 December 2009|access-date=18 June 2012|quote=[Nadal's] Australian Open title made him the first man to simultaneously hold majors on clay, grass and hard courts.}}</ref>
2010 French Open — 2018 French Open	16 semifinals won spanning non-consecutive tournaments	Stands alone	news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamzagoria/2022/06/05/rafael-nadal-wins-14th-french-open-22nd-major-championship-to-extend-lead-over-rivals-federer-djokovic/?sh=17eb93ce7be5%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal Wins 14th French Open, 22nd Major Championship To Extend Lead Over Rivals Federer, Djokovic|work=Forbes|first=Adam|last=Zagoria|date=5 June 2022|access-date=6 June 2022}}</ref>
2007 French Open – 2020 French Open	8 major finals reached without losing a setTemplate:Efn	Stands alone	news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-open-men-idUSBRE85808U20120609%7Ctitle=Djokovic faces ultimate challenge against Nadal|work=Reuters|first=Pritha|last=Sarkar|date=9 June 2012|access-date=9 June 2012}}</ref>
2011 Wimbledon – 2012 Australian Open	3 consecutive runners-up finishes at majors	Stands alone	news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/tennis/australian-open-djokovic-outlasts-nadal-in-longest-grand-slam-singles-final-ever/2012/01/29/gIQAYDHgaQ_story.html%7Ctitle=Australian Open: Djokovic outlasts Nadal in longest Grand Slam singles final ever|first=Caroline|last=Cheese|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=29 January 2012|access-date=28 April 2012|quote=Nadal became the first man in the Open Era to lose three straight major finals.}}</ref>
2005 French Open – 2022 French Open	Longest span between titles (16 years 11 months 30 days)	Stands alone	web|url=https://www.ultimatetennisstatistics.com/record?recordId=LongestGrandSlamTitleSpan%7Ctitle=Longest Grand Slam First Title to Last Title|publisher=Ultimate Tennis Statistics}}</ref>
	Longest span between finals contested (16 years 11 months 30 days)	Stands alone	web|url=https://www.ultimatetennisstatistics.com/record?recordId=LongestGrandSlamFinalSpan%7Ctitle=Longest Grand Slam First Final to Last Final|publisher=Ultimate Tennis Statistics}}</ref>

Time span	Grand Slam tournaments	Records at each Grand Slam tournament	Players matched	Ref.
2009–2022	Australian Open	Longest gap between titles (13 years)	Stands alone	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
2022		Won final from two sets down	Jannik Sinner	web|title=Look Back At Nadal's Four Comebacks From Two Sets Down|work=ATP Tour |url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/rafael-nadal-two-set-comebacks%7Caccess-date=21 March 2022}}</ref>
2012		Longest final by duration (5 hours 53 minutes)	Novak Djokovic	web|url=http://espn.go.com/tennis/aus12/story/_/id/7515950/2012-australian-open-novak-djokovic-outlasts-rafael-nadal-longest-grand-slam-final%7Ctitle=Longest Men's Singles Championship Final|date=30 January 2012|publisher=ESPN Sports}}</ref>
2005–2022	French Open	14 titles overall	Stands alone	web|title=Record Breakers|url=http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/about/records.html%7Caccess-date=28 April 2012|publisher=Roland-Garros|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510155503/http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/about/records.html%7Carchive-date=10 May 2012}}</ref>
		14 finals overall	Stands alone	news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-open-idUSBRE8571EH20120608%7Ctitle=Djokovic, Nadal looking to become record collectors|work=Reuters|first=Pritha|last=Sarkar|date=8 June 2012|access-date=10 June 2012}}</ref>
2010–2014		5 consecutive titles	Stands alone	<ref name=RGrecords />
		5 consecutive finals	Stands alone	web|title=Grand Slam History|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/~/media/6E5690C1880644AF9A5CB5B09CD8C837.ashx%7Caccess-date=10 June 2012|publisher=ATP World Tour|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514061715/http://www.atpworldtour.com/~/media/6E5690C1880644AF9A5CB5B09CD8C837.ashx%7Carchive-date=14 May 2012}}</ref>
2006–08, 2011–14, 2018–2020		10 title defences	Stands alone	<ref name="Title-defences" />
2005–2022		15 semifinals overall	Stands alone	web|title=Djokovic: 'I lost to a better player today'|url=https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/article/rg2022-novak-djokovic-i-lost-to-a-better-player-today%7Caccess-date=1 June 2022|publisher=Roland-Garros}}</ref>
2017–2022		6 consecutive semifinals	Novak Djokovic	<ref name=RGrecords />
2005–2024		112 match wins overall	Stands alone	news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/tennis/2013/06/09/rafael-nadal-david-ferrer-french-open-mens-final/2405209/%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal captures eighth French Open crown|newspaper=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|date=9 June 2013|access-date=9 June 2013}}</ref>
		96.6% (112–4) match winning percentage	Stands alone
2010–2015		39 consecutive match wins	Stands alone	<ref name=RGrecords/>
2008, 2010, 2017, 2020		4 titles won without losing a set	Stands alone	<ref name=RGrecords/>
2005–2022		2+ titles in three separate decades	Stands alone	<ref name=RGrecords/>
		1+ title in three separate decades	Stands alone	<ref name=RGrecords/>
2005		Won title on the first attempt	Mats Wilander	news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/05/sports/05iht-open.html%7Ctitle=French Open: Nadal triumphs at first attempt|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Christopher|last=Clarey|date=6 June 2005|access-date=10 June 2012}}</ref>

Time span	Other records	Players matched	Ref.
2002–2024	84.4% (985–183) outdoor match winning percentage	Stands alone	<ref name="WIN/LOSS" />
	985 outdoor match wins	Stands alone	<ref name="WIN/LOSS" />
2002–2024	90.5% (484–51) clay court match winning percentage	Stands alone	web|title=Rafael Nadal – FedEx ATP Win/Loss – ATP Tour|work=ATP Tour |url=https://www.atptour.com/en/players/rafael-nadal/n409/fedex-atp-win-loss%7Caccess-date=30 April 2024}}</ref>
2005–2007	81 consecutive match wins on a single surface (clay)	Stands alone	news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/6674381.stm%7Ctitle=Federer ends Nadal's clay streak|publisher=BBC Sport|date=20 May 2007|access-date=11 June 2012}}</ref>
2004–2014	52 consecutive semifinal wins on a single surface (clay)	Stands alone	web|url=http://www.tennisnow.com/Blogs/NET-POSTS/February-2015/10-Things-That-Happened-While-Rafael-Nadal-Was-Win.aspx |title=10 Things That Happened While Rafael Nadal Was Winning 52 Straight Clay-Court Semifinals |website=www.tennisnow.com |access-date=21 August 2019}}</ref>
2017–2018	50 consecutive sets won on a single surface (clay)	Stands alone	news|title=50 And Counting...|newspaper=Atp Tour |url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/nadal-thiem-coric-madrid-2018-thursday%7Caccess-date=10 May 2018|publisher=ATP World Tour}}</ref>
2005–2013	46 consecutive match wins at a single tournament (Monte Carlo)	Stands alone	web|author1=Vicki Hodges|author2=Charlie Eccleshare|title=Monte Carlo Masters: Seven talking points as the clay-court swing begins in earnest|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2017/04/14/monte-carlo-masters-2017-seven-talking-points-clay-court-swing/%7Cwebsite=The Telegraph|date=14 April 2017}}</ref>
2008	32 consecutive match wins across 3 different surfaces	Stands alone
2004–2022	90 outdoor titles	Stands alone	<ref name="WIN/LOSS" />
2005–2022	58 outdoor Big Titles	Novak Djokovic	<ref name="WIN/LOSS" />
2005–2021	35 outdoor Masters titles	Stands alone	<ref name="WIN/LOSS" />
2004–2022	63 clay-court titles	Stands alone	<ref name="WIN/LOSS" />
2005–2022	40 clay-court Big Titles	Stands alone	<ref name="WIN/LOSS" />
2004–2022	30 titles won without losing a set	Stands alone	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	30 outdoor titles won without losing a set	Stands alone	web|url=https://www.ultimatetennisstatistics.com/record?recordId=OutdoorTitlesWonWOLosingSet%7Ctitle=Outdoor Titles Won W/O Losing Set|date=18 June 2022|publisher=Ultimate Tennis Statistics}}</ref>
2004–2020	26 clay-court titles won without losing a set	Stands alone	web|url=https://www.ultimatetennisstatistics.com/record?recordId=ClayTitlesWonWOLosingSet%7Ctitle=Clay Titles Won W/O Losing Set|date=18 June 2022|publisher=Ultimate Tennis Statistics}}</ref>
2004–2022	19 consecutive seasons winning 1+ title	Stands alone
2005–2022	18 consecutive seasons winning 2+ titles	Novak Djokovic
	11+ titles at a single tournament (French Open, Barcelona, Monte Carlo)	Stands alone	web|title=Nadal's quest to reach La Décima|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/19605999/by-numbers-rafael-nadal-record-breaking-10th-french-open-title%7Cdate=12 June 2017|access-date=18 July 2017|first=Manoj|last=Bhagavatula|publisher=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170718124249/http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/19605999/by-numbers-rafael-nadal-record-breaking-10th-french-open-title%7Carchive-date=18 July 2017}}</ref>
2005–2012	8 consecutive titles at a single tournament (Monte Carlo)	Stands alone	news|title=Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic to win eighth consecutive Monte Carlo Masters title|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/9219433/Rafael-Nadal-beats-Novak-Djokovic-to-win-eighth-consecutive-Monte-Carlo-Masters-title.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/9219433/Rafael-Nadal-beats-Novak-Djokovic-to-win-eighth-consecutive-Monte-Carlo-Masters-title.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|date=22 April 2012|access-date=23 April 2012|first=Simon|last=Briggs|work=The Daily Telegraph}}Template:Cbignore</ref>
2004–2006	16 titles won as a teenager	Björn Borg	news|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Rafael-Nadal.aspx%7Ctitle=Rafael Nadal – Career Highlights|publisher=ATP World Tour|access-date=14 June 2012|quote=2006 – Tied Borg with his 16th career teenage title in Rome, most in Open Era.}}</ref>
2004–2022	23 match wins against world No. 1 players<ref group="lower-alpha">The world No. 1 players who Nadal defeated were Roger Federer (13 times)<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Nadal–Federer Head to Head|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/players/atp-head-2-head/rafael-nadal-vs-roger-federer/N409/F324%7Caccess-date=9 June 2022|publisher=ATP Tour}}</ref> and Novak Djokovic (10 times).<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Nadal–Djokovic Head to Head|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/players/atp-head-2-head/rafael-nadal-vs-novak-djokovic/N409/D643%7Caccess-date=9 June 2022|publisher=ATP Tour}}</ref></ref>	Stands alone	<ref name="tennisworldusa"/>
2008–2020	Ranked world No. 1 in three different decades	Stands alone	web|url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-clinches-2019-year-end-no-1-atp-rankings |title=Rafael Nadal Clinches Year-End No. 1 ATP Ranking for Fifth Time Template:Pipe ATP Tour Template:Pipe Tennis |website=www.atptour.com |access-date=14 November 2019}}</ref>
2005–2023	Most consecutive weeks in the Top 10 (912)	Stands alone
2005–2022	Most year-end Top 2 finishes (13)	Stands alone
	Most year-end Top 10 finishes (18)	Roger Federer Novak Djokovic
	Most consecutive years in the Top 10 (18)	Stands alone

Professional awards

• ITF World Champion (5): 2008, 2010, 2017, 2019, 2022
• ATP Player of the Year (5): 2008, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019
• Laureus World Sports Award for Breakthrough of the Year: 2006
• Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year (2): 2011, 2021
• Laureus World Sports Award for Comeback of the Year: 2014
• BBC Sports Personality World Sport Star of the Year: 2010
• Davis Cup Most Valuable Player: 2019<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|first=Peter|last=Bodo|title=Revamped Davis Cup plagued by problems, but passion isn't one of them|work=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com.au/tennis/story/_/id/28160529/revamped-davis-cup-plagued-problems-passion-one-them%7Cdate=26 November 2019|access-date=30 April 2024}}</ref>
• ATP Newcomer of the Year: 2003
• ATP Most Improved Player of the Year: 2005
• Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award (5): 2010, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
• ATP Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year: 2011
• ATP Comeback Player of the Year: 2013
• ATP Fan's Favourite Award: 2022

See also

{{#invoke:Portal|portal|Biography|Spain|Tennis|Sports}}

• List of career achievements by Rafael Nadal
• Forbes list of the world's top-10 highest-paid athletes
• All-time tennis records – Men's singles (since 1877)
• Open Era tennis records – Men's singles (since 1968)
• List of Grand Slam–related tennis records (since 1877)
• List of Grand Slam men's singles champions (since 1877)
• List of Olympic medalists in tennis (since 1896)
• List of ATP Tour top-level tournament singles champions (since 1990)
• Tennis Masters Series singles records and statistics (since 1990)
• ATP Tour records (since 1990)
• List of ATP number 1 ranked singles tennis players (since 1973)
• World number 1 ranked male tennis players (all-time)
• 2016 Summer Olympics national flag bearers
• Tennis in Spain

Further reading

• Template:Cite book
• Template:Cite book

External links

• Template:Official website Template:In lang
• Template:ATP
• Template:ITF profile
• Template:Davis Cup player
• Template:Olympics.com

Template:S-start Template:S-reg |- Template:S-new Template:S-ttl Template:S-inc Template:S-end

Template:Rafael Nadal start boxes Template:Rafael Nadal {{#invoke:navboxes|top |title = Rafael Nadal's Tennis Seasons |state = collapsed}} Template:Men's Tennis Player Seasons: 1998–2009 Template:Men's Tennis Player Seasons: 2010–2019 Template:Men's Singles Tennis Player Seasons: 2020–present {{#invoke:navboxes|bottom}} {{#invoke:navboxes|top |title = Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam tournaments |state = collapsed}} Template:Australian Open men's singles champions Template:French Open men's singles champions Template:Wimbledon men's singles champions Template:US Open men's singles champions Template:Men's tennis players who won two or more Grand Slam singles titles in one calendar year Template:Tennis Career Grand Slam Champions {{#invoke:navboxes|bottom}} {{#invoke:navboxes|top |title = Rafael Nadal achievements |state = collapsed}} Template:Tennis World Number Ones (men) Template:2019 Davis Cup champions Template:Footer Olympic Champions Tennis Men Template:Footer Olympic Champions Tennis Men's Doubles Template:ATP Masters Series tournament winners Template:ATP Masters Series tournament doubles winners Template:Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Template:BBC Sports Personality World Sport Star of the Year Template:Laureus World Sports Award for Comeback of the Year Template:Spanish Sportsman of the Year Template:Prince of Asturias Award for Sports Template:PAP European Sportsperson of the Year Template:L'Équipe Champion of Champions {{#invoke:Portal bar|main|Biography|Spain|Tennis|Sports}} {{#invoke:navboxes|bottom}} {{#invoke:Authority control|authorityControl}}