Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal

Rafael "Rafa" Nadal Parera, Spanish born 3 June 1986) is a Spanish professional tennis player and a former world No. 1. As of 27 May 2013, he is ranked No. 4 by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). He is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. His success on clay has earned him the nickname "The King of Clay" and has prompted many experts to regard him as the greatest clay court player in history.

Nadal has won eleven Grand Slam singles titles, including an all-time record seven French Open titles, the 2008 Olympic gold medal in singles, a record 24 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments, a record 14 ATP World Tour 500 tournaments, and was also part of the Spain Davis Cup team that won the finals in2004, 2008, 2009 and 2011. He completed the Career Grand Slam by winning the 2010 US Open, being the seventh player in history, and the youngest of four in the Open Era, to achieve it. He is the second male player to complete the Career Golden Slam (winner of the Career Grand Slam and the Olympic gold medal) after Andre Agassi. Nadal has at least two Grand Slam titles on each of the three surfaces (hard court, grass, and clay), the second player to achieve this feat after Mats Wilander, although Wilander never won the Career Grand Slam. By winning the 2012 French Open, he became the second male player and is one of three to win any Grand Slam tournament seven times.

Rafael Nadal was born in Manacor, Mallorca, Spain, to Sebastián Nadal, a businessman who owns an insurance company, a glass and window company, Vidres Mallorca, and manages his own restaurant, Sa Punta. His mother is Ana María Parera, a housewife. He has a younger sister named María Isabel.

By the age of 17, he beat Roger Federer the first time they played and became the youngest man to reach the third round at Wimbledon

Nadal generally plays an aggressive, behind-the-baseline game founded on heavy topspin groundstrokes, consistency, speedy footwork and tenacious court coverage, thus making him an aggressive counterpuncher. Known for his athleticism and speed around the court, Nadal is an excellent defender who hits well on the run, constructing winning plays from seemingly defensive positions. He also plays very fine dropshots, which work especially well because his heavy topspin often forces opponents to the back of the court.