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|image= [[Image:Nadal Serving.jpg|250px|Nadal getting ready to smash at the 2006 US Open.]]<br><small>Nadal getting ready to smash at the [[2006 US Open (tennis)|2006 US Open]]</small>
|image= [[Image:Nadal Serving.jpg|250px|Nadal getting ready to smash at the 2006 US Open.]]<br><small>Nadal getting ready to smash at the [[2006 US Open (tennis)|2006 US Open]]</small>


|nickname= ''Rafa, The King of Clay, El Matador, Superman, Nadalek, Rafita, El toro, the Majorcan Minotaur
|nickname= Malcolm
|country= {{flagicon|ESP}} [[North Western Ugoslavian Penninsula]]
|country= {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Spain]]
|residence= [[Manacor]], [[Mallorca]]
|residence= [[Manacor]], [[Mallorca]]
|datebirth= {{birth date and age|1886|6|3}}
|datebirth= {{birth date and age|1986|6|3}}
|placebirth= Hell
|placebirth= Manacor, Mallorca
|height= {{height|m=13.85}}
|height= {{height|m=1.85}}
|weight= {{convert|486|kg|lb st|abbr=on|lk=on}}
|weight= {{convert|86|kg|lb st|abbr=on|lk=on}}
|turnedpro= [[2001]]
|turnedpro= [[2001]]
|plays= Left-handed; two-handed backhand
|plays= Left-handed; two-handed backhand
|grip=
|grip=
|careerprizemoney= $00.06<ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.atptennis.com/5/en/players/playerprofiles/?playernumber=N409 |title=ATP Tour |accessdate=2007-11-19 }}</ref>6
|careerprizemoney= $13,983,874<ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.atptennis.com/5/en/players/playerprofiles/?playernumber=N409 |title=ATP Tour |accessdate=2007-11-19 }}</ref>
|singlesrecord= 253 - 66
|singlestitles= 23
|highestsinglesranking= No. 2 ([[July 25]], [[2005]])
|AustralianOpenresult= QF ([[2007 Australian Open|2007]])
|FrenchOpenresult= '''W''' ([[2005 French Open|2005]], [[2006 French Open|2006]], [[2007 French Open|2007]])
|Wimbledonresult= F ([[2006 Wimbledon|2006]], [[2007 Wimbledon|2007]])
|USOpenresult= QF ([[2006 U.S. Open (tennis)|2006]])
|doublesrecord= 58-38
|doublestitles= 3
|highestdoublesranking= No. 26 ([[August 8]], [[2005]])
|updated= [[November 6]], [[2007]]
}}
'''Rafael Nadal Parera''' ({{IPA2|rafa'el na'ðal}}) (born [[June 3]], [[1986]], in [[Manacor]], [[Majorca|Mallorca]]) is a [[Spanish people|Spanish]] professional [[tennis]] player.
As of July 2005, he is ranked No. 2 in the world. He is a three-time [[Grand Slam (tennis)|Grand Slam]] champion, having won three consecutive [[French Open]] singles titles (2005-07), and has twice been a runner-up at [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]] (2006-07). Nadal is undefeated in his career at the French Open, having won all 21 matches he has played en route to his three championships. He also holds the longest winning streak among male players on a single surface in the [[Tennis Open Era|open era]]. From April 2005 to May 2007, he won a record 81 consecutive clay court matches, before being defeated by World Number One, [[Roger Federer]], in the [[2007 Hamburg Masters]] final.

{{TOClimit|limit=2}}
==Personal life==
{{cleanup-tone|date=December 2007}}
Nadal was born in [[Manacor]], [[Mallorca]] to Sebastián Nadal and Ana María Parera; he also has a younger sister named María Isabel Nadal Parera. His father owns a restaurant and a glass-making business. His uncle, [[Miguel Ángel Nadal|Miguel Ángel]], is a retired professional soccer player, having played for [[RCD Mallorca]], [[FC Barcelona]], and the [[Spain national football team|Spanish national team]].<ref name="times">{{cite news | first=Christopher | last=Clarey | coauthors= | title=Rafael Nadal, Barely 19, He's Got Game, Looks and Remarkably Good Manners | date=2005-06-06 | publisher= | url =http://ustimes.us/rafael_nadal,_barely_19,_he's_got_game,_looks_and_remarkably_good_manners.htm | work =New York Times | pages = | accessdate = 2007-02-16 | language = }}</ref> Nadal remains an avid supporter of RCD Mallorca, as well as [[Real Madrid]].<ref> {{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6130000/newsid_6135900/6135996.stm |title=BBC - Sportsround meets Rafael Nadal}}</ref> His other uncle, [[Toni Nadal]], introduced him to the sport when Rafael was three years old, he has been coaching him ever since.<ref name="official website"> {{cite web|url=http://www.rafaelnadal.com/english/en/aboutrafa.html |title=Rafael Nadal Official Website |accessdate=2007-02-16 }}</ref>

Nadal is good friends with fellow Mallorcan [[Carlos Moyà]], who is also his regular practice partner. Moyà has also acted as a mentor to Nadal, especially during the early stages of the latter's career. Off-court, Nadal enjoys playing video games and [[fishing]].<ref>http://timesonline.typepad.com/rafael_nadal/</ref>

==Career==
===Early years===
Although Nadal plays left-handed, he is naturally right-handed. When he was younger, his coach, Toni Nadal aka Uncle Tony, decided that his two-handed backhand would benefit from a strong right arm, so he taught Rafael to play with his left.<ref>{{cite news | first=John | last=Pages | coauthors= | title=PlayStation or on-court, Raging Bull wins | date=2006-05-02 | publisher= | url =http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2006/05/02/sports/pages.playstation.or.on.court.raging.bull.wins.html | work = Sun Star | pages = | accessdate = 2007-02-16 | language = }} Also from [http://www.rafaelnadal.com Nadal's official page], through its "Ask Rafa" service.</ref>

It was not until Nadal was 12 that he decided to pursue a career in tennis instead of football.<ref name="times"/> In May 2001, when Nadal was 14 years old, tennis great [[Pat Cash]] played a clay-court exhibition match against him. Cash, who was originally scheduled to play [[Boris Becker]], was reluctant to play against Nadal, taking offense to this last minute change of opponent. Cash lost the match by a close margin.<ref name="times" />

===2002 - 2004===
In [[2002]], the 15-year-old Nadal won his first [[Association of Tennis Professionals|ATP]] match, defeating [[Ramon Delgado]] in Mallorca to become the ninth player in the open era to win an ATP match before his 16th birthday.<ref name='Tennis.com'> {{cite web|url=http://www.tennis.com/features/general/features.aspx?id=10488 |title=Wimbledon 2006: The Duel |accessdate=2007-02-16 |last=Tignor |first=Stephen |date=2006-06-20 }}</ref>

In [[2003]], Nadal became the second-youngest player to be ranked among the world's top 100 singles players. He finished the year in the top 50, winning two Challenger titles. At his [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]] debut, Nadal, then 17, became the youngest male player to reach the third round since 16-year-old [[Boris Becker]] in [[1984]].<ref>{{cite news | first=Christopher | last=Clarey | coauthors= | title=WIMBLEDON TENNIS : An unusual comfort zone | date=2003-06-26 | publisher= | url =http://www.iht.com/articles/2003/06/26/tennis_ed3__12.php | work = International Herald Tribune | pages = | accessdate = 2007-02-16 | language = }}</ref>

In [[2004]], Nadal was forced to miss most of the clay-court season, including the French Open, due to a stress fracture in his left ankle.<ref name="times" />

===2005===
[[2005]] was Nadal's breakthrough year. At the [[Australian Open]], he reached the fourth round and pushed the eventual runner-up, [[Lleyton Hewitt]], to five sets. Two months later, he reached the final of the [[Miami Masters]] tournament, and despite being two points away from victory in straight sets, he was defeated in five sets by the world's number one player, [[Roger Federer]].

Shifting to the clay court season, Nadal won two [[ATP Masters Series]] events in [[Monte Carlo Masters|Monte Carlo]] and [[Rome Masters|Rome]]. At one point in the year, Nadal won 24 consecutive matches, the longest winning streak of any teenager in the open era, topping [[Andre Agassi]]'s run of 23 matches in [[1988]]. By May 2005, Nadal had reached the top 5 in the world rankings, becoming the youngest player to break into the top 10 since [[Andrei Medvedev]] in [[1993]].

Nadal entered his first [[French Open]] among the favorites. He beat two of France's local hopes, [[Sébastien Grosjean]] and [[Richard Gasquet]], to reach the semifinals. On his 19th birthday, he defeated Federer in the semifinals, preventing the Swiss from potentially achieving a career [[Grand Slam (tennis)|Grand Slam]]. Two days later, he became the fourth-youngest French Open champion in the open era, defeating Argentina's [[Mariano Puerta]] in the final.<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Nadal battles to French Open win | date=[[2005-06-05]] | publisher= | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/4609613.stm | work =[[BBC Sport]] | pages = | accessdate = 2007-02-16 | language = }}</ref> He became the seventh player to win a Grand Slam in his first appearance at the event and the first since Agassi at the 1995 Australian Open, and he is one of only two people to win at Roland Garros on their first attempt, the first being [[Mats Wilander]] in 1982.<ref name="official website">official</ref> He also became the first teenager to win a Grand Slam singles title since [[Pete Sampras]] won the [[1990 US Open (tennis)|1990 U.S. Open]] at age 19. Nadal is the first teenager to win at least six titles in a year since Agassi in 1988 at the age of 18.

Three days after his victory in Paris, his winning streak was snapped on the grass courts of [[Gerry Weber Open|Halle]], [[Germany]], where he was beaten by German [[Alexander Waske]] in the first round.<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Waske snaps Nadal's winning streak | date=2005-06-10 | publisher= | url =http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/sport/archives/2005/06/10/2003258798 | work =Associated Press | pages = | accessdate = 2007-02-16 | language = }}</ref> He suffered another disappointment at Wimbledon, where he was eliminated in the second round by [[Gilles Müller]] of [[Luxembourg]].<ref>{{cite news | first=Alistair | last=Watkins | coauthors= | title=Nadal suffers shock Muller defeat | date=2005-06-23 | publisher= | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/4124562.stm | work =[[BBC Sport]] | pages = | accessdate = 2007-02-16 | language = }}</ref>

In July, at age 19 years, 1 month, and 22 days, Nadal became the third teenager to reach World No. 2 in the history of the ATP computer rankings, which began in 1973, joining [[Boris Becker]] (age 18 years, 9 months, and 17 days) and [[Björn Borg]] (age 18 years, 10 months, and 2 days) as the only teenagers to be ranked No. 2.<ref name="official website">official</ref>

Nadal started his 2005 hardcourt season by defeating Agassi in the final of the [[Canada Masters]]. Nadal was seeded second at the U.S. Open but was eliminated in the third round by American [[James Blake]] in four sets. Despite the loss, his second seeding and third round performance were both career highs. After the U.S. Open, Nadal won two more hard court tournaments. In September, he defeated [[Guillermo Coria]] in the final of the [[China Open (tennis)|China Open]] in Beijing, and in October, he won his fourth Masters Series event, defeating [[Ivan Ljubičić]] in five sets in the final of the [[Madrid Masters]]. He then suffered a foot injury that kept him out of the [[Tennis Masters Cup]] in 2005 and the start of 2006, causing him to miss the Australian Open. Overall, Nadal matched world No. 1 Roger Federer's standard in ATP titles won in a single season, eleven, and Masters Series events won, four. He won 79 matches in 2005, second only to Federer's 81.

===2006===
[[Image:Image-Nadal photographié-cropped.jpg|thumb|200px|Nadal at the 2006 French Open]]
The fierce rivalry between Nadal and [[Roger Federer]] continued into 2006. In March 2006, Nadal handed Federer his first loss of the year at the final in Dubai, winning 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. Nadal defeated Federer again at the [[Monte Carlo Masters]] by a score of 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 7-6.

The two squared off again in the [[Rome Masters 2006 Final|Rome Masters]] final. There, it seemed as though Federer might finally defeat his nemesis, thereby ending Nadal's streak of consecutive clay court matches. However, Nadal fought off two match points and won 6-7, 7-6, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6.

Nadal broke Argentinian [[Guillermo Vilas]]'s 29-year record of 53 consecutive clay court match victories after defeating [[Robin Soderling]] in the first round of the [[2006 French Open]]. Following the victory, Nadal was presented with a trophy containing the cross section of the construction of a clay court. Vilas was on hand for the ceremony, although Vilas has refused to acknowledge Nadal's feat as more impressive than his own (which was accomplished in a single season).<ref>{{cite news | first=Greg | last=Garber | coauthors= | title=With Vilas in stands, Nadal makes history | date=[[2006-05-31]] | publisher= | url =http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/french06/news/story?id=2462389&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab4pos1 | work =ESPN.com | pages = | accessdate = 2007-04-30 | language = }}</ref>

At the [[French Open]], Nadal reached the final for the second consecutive year, and squared off against the world's No. 1 player, Roger Federer, in a hotly anticipated match. For Federer, the French Open was the missing link in a career Grand Slam and in holding all four majors simultaneously. For Nadal, the task of defending his French Open title, as well as maintaining a dominant winning record against Federer, was enormous, something that no other player has accomplished thus far. Though Nadal was the favorite based on his clay court ability, Federer was the overwhelming favorite with the raucous French crowd. Everyone expected a highly competitive match, much like the ones they had played in the last three Masters Series tournaments. Yet, the first two sets were hardly competitive, as the rivals traded 6-1 sets. Nadal steamrolled over Federer through the third set and most of the fourth. Federer finally broke Nadal's serve deep in the fourth set as he was serving for the match and forced a tiebreak, which Nadal won. With the win, he became the first player to defeat Federer in a Grand Slam final.<ref>{{cite news | first=Greg | last=Garber | coauthors= | title=Roger's reign on hold with Nadal's dominance | date=[[2006-06-12]] | publisher= | url =http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/french06/news/story?id=2479425 | work =ESPN.com | pages = | accessdate = 2007-03-09 | language = }}</ref>

With an undefeated 2006 clay court season, Nadal firmly stamped himself as the dominant clay court player in the world and as the only player able to beat Federer consistently.

In the quarterfinals of [[Queens Club Championships]], a [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]] tune-up tournament, Nadal withdrew due to a shoulder injury against [[Lleyton Hewitt]]. This loss ended a winning streak of 26 matches, the last loss to [[Carlos Moyà]] in March.

Seeded No. 2 going into Wimbledon, Nadal reached the finals, securing a match against Federer by beating [[Marcos Baghdatis]] in the semifinals. During his run, Nadal was two points from defeat against American qualifier [[Robert Kendrick]] in the second round before coming back to win in five sets. Nadal also defeated [[Andre Agassi]] in the third round, in Agassi's final match at Wimbledon. All seven of the previous Nadal/Federer encounters had been played on either clay or hard courts; however, Wimbledon is played on grass, Federer's preferred surface. He had won the title three consecutive years. Though Nadal played well in the final after a sluggish start, he fell in four sets, 6-0, 7-6, 6-7, 6-3, cementing Federer's position at the top of the world rankings. Despite the loss, Nadal well exceeded most expectations by reaching the finals, winning more matches at Wimbledon (six) than he had ever won on grass in his entire career. Prior to the 2006 tennis season, Nadal's record on grass courts stood at three wins and three losses, and even the most optimistic predictions suggested that he would be several years away from being a contender on grass.<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Rafael Nadal - RUNNER-UP | date=[[2007-06-20]] | publisher= | url =http://www.inthenews.co.uk/wimbledon/profile/sport/features/wimbledon-profile-men/rafael-nadal-runner-up-$1101912.htm | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2007-07-20 | language = }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | first=Bruce | last=Jenkins | coauthors= | title=Only Nadal in way of Federer's record run | date=[[2007-07-08]] | publisher= | url =http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2007/07/08/SPG9BQSUB41.DTL | work =San Francisco | pages = | accessdate = 2007-07-20 | language = }}</ref>

With their finals appearance, Nadal and Federer became the only pair of men in the [[open era]] to reach the Wimbledon final after having both played in the French Open final just a month prior. There have been several men to reach the Wimbledon final after making the French Open final, but never had the same two men accomplished such a feat at the same time. They repeated this feat in 2007.

At the [[2006 U.S. Open (tennis)|2006 U.S. Open]] Nadal reached the quarterfinals, his best result at the tournament to date. He lost to [[Mikhail Youzhny]] of Russia in four sets. Nadal failed, however, to reach the third round of his next tournament, the Stockholm Open, where he lost to [[Joachim Johansson]] 6-4, 7-6. Nadal also lost in the quarterfinals of the [[Madrid Masters]], where he was defeated by [[Tomáš Berdych]] 6-3, 7-6 for the third time. After the tournament, Nadal blamed mental and physical exhaustion for his recent losses.

During the round robin stage of the [[Tennis Masters Cup]], Nadal lost to [[James Blake]], but defeated [[Nikolay Davydenko]] and [[Tommy Robredo]]. Nadal reached the semifinals as the second place finisher in his group, where he lost to Federer 6-4, 7-5. This was Nadal's third loss in nine career matches with Federer. He and Federer played an exhibition match in Seoul, Korea, the week after the Master's Cup, which Federer won in three sets.

===2007===
Rafa started 2007 by reaching the semifinals of the [[Chennai Open]] in India, where he lost to [[Xavier Malisse]] 6-4, 7-6. At his next tournament in [[N.S.W Open/Medibank International|Sydney]], [[Australia]], Nadal retired from his first match against [[Chris Guccione]] with a groin injury. At the [[2007 Australian Open|Australian Open]], Nadal defeated [[Andy Murray (tennis)|Andy Murray]] 6-7(3), 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals, where he lost to [[Fernando González]] 6-2, 6-4, 6-3.

In the quarterfinals of the [[Dubai Tennis Championships]], Nadal lost to [[Mikhail Youzhny]] 7-6, 6-2. After that loss, he played at the [[Indian Wells Masters|Pacific Life Open]] in [[Indian Wells, California]], defeating [[Novak Đoković]] 6-2, 7-5 in the final. However, at the [[Miami Masters|Sony Ericsson Open]] in [[Key Biscayne, Florida]], Nadal was defeated in the quarterfinals by tenth seeded and eventual winner Đjoković 6-3, 6-4.

Nadal defeated Federer in the final of the [[Monte Carlo Masters]] 6-4, 6-4. This was Nadal's third consecutive title in the principality, the first player since [[Ilie Năstase]] in 1971-73 to accomplish that feat. He followed that hat-trick with another one at the [[Open Seat]] in [[Barcelona, Spain]], defeating [[Guillermo Cañas]] in the final. At the [[Rome Masters]], Nadal continued his hat-trick streak, beating [[Fernando González]] in the final 6-2, 6-2 to become the first man to win in Rome three consecutive years. At the [[Hamburg Masters]], Nadal lost the final to Federer 2-6, 6-2, 6-0. The loss ended Nadal's clay court winning streak at 81, which is the male open-era record for most consecutive victories on a single surface. He thus surpassed [[John McEnroe]]'s 75-match streak record on indoor carpet.<ref>{{cite news | title=Federer has fallen the most during Nadal's streak | url= http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=2814194 | accessdate = 2007-05-10}}</ref>

On [[May 2]], [[2007]], the "[[Battle of Surfaces]]," an exhibition event, took place at the Palma Arena in [[Mallorca]]. Nadal and Federer met on a tennis court that was half grass and half clay.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thebattleofsurfaces.com | title = The Battle of Surfaces | accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref> Nadal won 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(10).

Nadal and Federer would meet in the final of the [[French Open]] for the second consecutive year, and in the latter stages of the tournament for the third time in a row. Nadal prevailed in four sets, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, winning his third straight championship at [[Roland Garros (tennis)|Roland Garros]]. With this victory, he became the first player since [[Björn Borg]] in 1978-81 to win the French Open in three consecutive years, and once again prevented Federer from achieving the [[Grand Slam (tennis)|career Grand Slam]] and owning all four major titles simultaneously.

In preparation for [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]], Nadal played the grass court [[Queen's Club Championships]], losing in the quarterfinals to Frenchman [[Nicolas Mahut]] 7-5, 7-6(0).

In [[Wimbledon 2007|Wimbledon]], Nadal reached his second final in a row, having been beaten by Federer in [[Wimbledon 2006|the previous year's final]]. Nadal's road to the final proved difficult, after having nearly been eliminated both in the third and fourth round in tough five-set matches. Numerous rain delays also kept him on the court for seven straight days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/6277246.stm|title= Đoković sets up semi with Nadal|last=Brown|first=Sophie|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|date=[[2007-07-06]]|accessdate=2007-07-09}}</ref> In the quarterfinals, Nadal defeated [[Tomáš Berdych]] in straight sets, and was awarded victory in his semifinal when fourth seed [[Novak Đoković]] retired injured.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/6280354.stm|title= Nadal through as Đoković retires|last=Newbery|first=Piers|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|date=[[2007-07-07]]|accessdate=2007-07-09}}</ref> However, he was defeated 7-6(7), 4-6, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-2 in the final by Federer, marking the Swiss' fifth straight triumph at the event. While leading 4-1 in the fourth set, Nadal had to take some time out to have an ailing knee taped, and although he exhibited no apparent ill effects, the direction of the match then turned in Federer's favor. Nadal failed to convert four break point chances in the fifth set.

Despite the loss, Nadal remains the only active player with a winning record (8-6) against Federer after five matches or more. Nadal is 6-1 on clay, 2-3 on hard courts, and 0-2 on grass against Federer. With his achievement in the 2007 Wimbledon final, Nadal is also both the first player that has forced Federer to a fifth set in a Grand Slam final, and the first to take Federer to a fifth set at Wimbledon since his [[2001]] fourth round encounter with [[Pete Sampras]].

At the clay-court tournament in Stuttgart, his first tournament since Wimbledon, Nadal defeated comeback player [[Stanislas Wawrinka]] in the final to win his second title there in three years (he did not participate in 2006). It was his 23rd title.

Nadal then played the [[Canada Masters]] tournament, an event he won in 2005. He reached the semifinal, where he lost to the eventual winner [[Novak Đoković]] 7-5, 6-3. The following week, at the [[Cincinnati Masters]], Nadal retired from his first match (a second-round encounter with [[Juan Mónaco]] who was leading 7-6, 4-1). Although Nadal had been struggling with a knee injury,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://sports.aol.com/tennis/story/_a/nadals-knee-mends-as-us-open-nears/20070814191909990001 | title = Nadal's Knee Mends as U.S. Open Nears| last= Kay|first= Joe | publisher= AOL Sports |date=2007-08-16|accessdate=2007-08-16}}</ref> it was a problem with his forearm that caused him to retire.

At the [[2007 U.S. Open (tennis)|2007 U.S. Open]], Nadal was defeated in the fourth round by countryman [[David Ferrer]] in four sets, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 6-2. He also lost in the [[2007 Madrid Masters]] quarterfinals. He lost to eventual titlist [[David Nalbandian]] 6-1, 6-2. At the [[2007 Paris Masters]], Nadal reached the semifinals where he slimly defeated [[Marcos Baghdatis]]. He faced Nalbandian in the final again, and lost again, 6-4, 6-0.<ref name="Gutsy Nadal Dashes Cypriot's Hopes">{{cite news | author = [[Association of Tennis Professionals|ATP]] | title = Gutsy Nadal Dashes Cypriot's Hopes | url = http://www.atptennis.com/1/en/2007news/paris_saturday.asp | date = [[2007-10-03]] | accessdate = 2007-10-03 | publisher = ATP | language = English }}</ref> By reaching the final of the Paris Masters, the Cincinnati Masters becomes the only ATP Masters Series event to which Nadal has not reached the title match.

Nadal participated in the [[Tennis Masters Cup]],defeating [[Richard Gasquet]] 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the first match of [[round-robin]] contention. He then lost to [[David Ferrer]] 4-6 6-4 6-3, followed by a 6-4, 6-4 victory in the match against Novak Djokovic. Nadal's advance to the semifinals was guaranteed after Richard Gasquet of France lost 6-1, 6-1, to David Ferrer. The semifinal proved to be the last match of the season as he was beaten 6-4 6-1 by Roger Federer.

During the close season, a very serious problem with his foot was claimed by his coach that might hinder his career. However, Nadal along with his doctor denied this and both he and Nadal claimed he was at perfect health.

===2008===
Nadal started his season on the [[2008 ATP Tour]] as the top seed at the [[2008 Chennai Open]]. In the first round, he defeated [[Mathieu Montcourt]] 6-2, 6-4 <ref name="Nadal Rolls, Haase Springs New Year Surprise">{{cite news | author = [[Association of Tennis Professionals]] | title = Nadal Rolls, Haase Springs New Year Surprise | url = http://www.atptennis.com/1/en/2008news/chennai_tuesday.asp | date = [[2008-01-01]] | accessdate = 2008-01-01 | publisher = Association of Tennis Professionals | language = English }}</ref>. Nadal defeated [[Rajeev Ram]] 6-2, 6-1, to advance the quarter finals. Nadal reached the semi finals defeating country man [[Guillermo García López]] 6-3, 6-2. Nadal next faced [[Carlos Moyà]], winning in a long match that lasted 3 hours and 54 minutes which equaled the record for the longest 3 set match in tour history that [[Andrei Cherkasov]] and [[Andrea Gaudenzi]] previously held. All his sets were finished in [[tiebreakers]], and Nadal managed to come away victorious 6-7(3), 7-6(8), 7-6(1). In the finals, he was defeated by [[Mikhail Youzhny]] in just over 50 minutes with a lopsided score of 6-0, 6-1.

The Australian Open has begun, and Nadal will play in the fourth round against [[Paul-Henri Mathieu]]. He hasn't lost a set yet, so Nadal is doing fairly well.

==Playing style==
Nadal's playing style is best tailored for clay courts. Playing with a strong two-handed backhand, well-angled topspin strokes, fast mobility on the court, excellent defense, and a preference to play from the deep court, he has developed into one of the best clay court players. He uses an extreme western grip forehand, which allows him to hit heavy topspin forehands giving him a small margin of error because of the height he clears the net. He is naturally right-handed, but he plays left-handed, and uses his dominant hand as an anchor for his two-handed backhand which he can flatten out. Known for his excellent defense, Nadal hits on the run well and creates many winners from seemingly defensive positions. Nadal is extremely athletic, and tends to go after every shot, even apparent winners from his opponents.<ref name="about bio">{{cite news | first=Jeff | last=Cooper | coauthors= | title=Rafael Nadal - Game Profile | date= | publisher= | url =http://tennis.about.com/od/playersmale/a/nadalgp.htm | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2007-07-30 | language = }}</ref>

While Nadal's serve is not considered one of his strengths because of the lack of pace and variety compared to other players, it has become more of a weapon over the years. Employing usually a hard lefty slice towards most of his opponent's backhand, his serve can be relied upon for consistency and also for some short-point wins (aces, serve-return errors, and serve-return sitters).<ref name="about bio"/> With excellent accuracy, power, and consistency, his topspin groundstroke is one of his assets. He incorporates a defensive-playing style most of the time by not going for outright winners, but often becomes offensive as well, especially on a fast surface.<ref>{{cite news | first=Ray | last=Bowers | coauthors= | title=U.S. Open Forecast 2005 | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.tennisserver.com/lines/lines_05_08_24.html | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2007-07-30 | language = }}</ref>

Overall, Nadal is an aggressive [[Tennis strategy#Defensive baseliner|counterpuncher]], forcing his opponents to make errors with his powerful topspin, his speed, and his athleticism.

===Equipment===
Nadal uses a [[Babolat]] AeroPro Drive with Cortex racquet and his string of choice is Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour. This model's handle is a little thinner (L2 grip) to increase spin potential, and the racket more tightly strung than most other players. His clothing sponsor is [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]]. Nadal is known for wearing [[Capri pants|Capri]] (3/4) pants. He wears the Nike Air Max Breathe Cage shoes <ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageMSNIKE-NBCAGEW.html |title=Nike Air Max Breathe Cage |accessdate=2007-09-5 }}</ref> and has "Vamos Rafa" written on the side of them, a common exhortation by his fans.<ref> {{cite web|url=http://i3.tinypic.com/wgrvde.jpg |title=Nadal's trainers photo |accessdate=2007-03-28 }}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Grand Slam singles finals (5)===
====Wins (3)====
{| class="sortable wikitable"
|-
|width="50"|'''Year
|width="200"|'''Championship
|width="200"|'''Opponent in Final
|width="200"|'''Score in Final
|-bgcolor="#EBC2AF"
|[[2005 French Open|2005]] || [[French Open]] || {{flagicon|ARG}} [[Mariano Puerta]] || 6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 7-5
|-bgcolor="#EBC2AF"
|[[2006 French Open|2006]] || French Open <small>(2) || {{flagicon|SUI}} [[Roger Federer]] || 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6
|-bgcolor="#EBC2AF"
|[[2007 French Open|2007]] || French Open <small>(3) || {{flagicon|SUI}} [[Roger Federer]] || 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
|}

====Runner-ups (2)====
{| class="sortable wikitable"
|-
|width="50"|'''Year
|width="200"|'''Championship
|width="200"|'''Opponent in Final
|width="200"|'''Score in Final
|-bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
|[[2006 Wimbledon Championships|2006]] || [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]] || {{flagicon|SUI}} [[Roger Federer]] || 6-0, 7-6, 6-7, 6-3
|-bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
|[[2007 Wimbledon Championships|2007]] || Wimbledon <small>(2) || {{flagicon|SUI}} [[Roger Federer]] || 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-2
|}

===ATP Masters Series singles finals (12)===
====Wins (9)====
{| class="sortable wikitable"
|-
|width="50"|'''Year
|width="200"|'''Championship
|width="200"|'''Opponent in Final
|width="200"|'''Score in Final
|-
|[[2005]] || [[Monte Carlo Masters|Monte Carlo]] || {{flagicon|ARG}} [[Guillermo Coria]] || 6-3, 6-1, 0-6, 7-5
|-
|2005 || [[Rome Masters|Rome]] || {{flagicon|ARG}} [[Guillermo Coria]] || 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6
|-
|2005 || [[Canada Masters|Montréal]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Andre Agassi]] || 6-3, 4-6, 6-2
|-
|2005 || [[Madrid Masters|Madrid]] || {{flagicon|CRO}} [[Ivan Ljubičić]] || 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6
|-
|[[2006]] || [[Monte Carlo Masters|Monte Carlo]] <small>(2) || {{flagicon|SUI}} [[Roger Federer]] || 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 7-6
|-
|2006 || [[Rome Masters|Rome]] <small>(2)|| {{flagicon|SUI}} [[Roger Federer]] || 6-7, 7-6, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6
|-
|[[2007]] || [[Indian Wells Masters|Indian Wells]] || {{flagicon|SRB}} [[Novak Đoković]] || 6-2, 7-5
|-
|2007 || [[Monte Carlo Masters|Monte Carlo]] <small>(3) || {{flagicon|SUI}} [[Roger Federer]] || 6-4, 6-4
|-
|2007 || [[Rome Masters|Rome]] <small>(3) || {{flagicon|CHI}} [[Fernando González]] || 6-2, 6-2
|-
|}

====Runner-ups (3)====
{| class="sortable wikitable"
|-
|width="50"|'''Year
|width="200"|'''Championship
|width="200"|'''Opponent in Final
|width="200"|'''Score in Final
|-
|[[2005]] || [[Miami Masters|Miami]] || {{flagicon|SUI}} [[Roger Federer]] || 2-6, 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-1
|-
|[[2007]] || [[Hamburg Masters|Hamburg]] || {{flagicon|SUI}} [[Roger Federer]] || 2-6, 6-2, 6-0
|-
|2007 || [[Paris Masters|Paris]] || {{flagicon|ARG}} [[David Nalbandian]] || 6-4, 6-0
|}

===All finals (36)===
====Singles (30)====
=====Wins (23)=====
{| width=43%
| valign=top width=33% align=left |
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#eeeeee"
|'''Legend'''
|- bgcolor="#e5d1cb"
| Grand Slam (3)
|- bgcolor="ffffcc"
| Tennis Masters Cup (0)
|- bgcolor="#dfe2e9"
| ATP Masters Series (9)
|-
| ATP Tour (11)
|}
| valign=top width=33% align=left |
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#eeeeee"
|'''Titles by Surface'''
|-
| Hard (5)
|-
| Clay (18)
|-
| Grass (0)
|-
| Carpet (0)
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|'''No.'''
|'''Date'''
|'''Tournament'''
|'''Surface'''
|'''Opponent in the final'''
|'''Score'''
|-
| 1.
| [[9 August]], [[2004]]
| [[Orange Prokom Open|Sopot]], [[Poland]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ARG}} [[José Acasuso]]
| 6-3, 6-4
|-
| 2.
| [[14 February]], [[2005]]
| [[Brasil Open|Costa do Sauípe]], [[Brazil]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Alberto Martín]]
| 6-0, 6-7(2), 6-1
|-
| 3.
| [[21 February]], [[2005]]
| [[Abierto Mexicano TELCEL|Acapulco]], [[Mexico]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Álbert Montañés]]
| 6-1, 6-0
|- bgcolor="#dfe2e9"
| 4.
| [[17 April]], [[2005]]
| [[Monte Carlo Masters|Monte Carlo]], [[Monaco]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ARG}} [[Guillermo Coria]]
| 6-3, 6-1, 0-6, 7-5
|-
| 5.
| [[24 April]], [[2005]]
| [[Open Seat|Barcelona]], [[Spain]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Juan Carlos Ferrero]]
| 6-1, 7-6(4), 6-3
|- bgcolor="#dfe2e9"
| 6.
| [[2 May]], [[2005]]
| [[Rome Masters|Rome]], [[Italy]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ARG}} Guillermo Coria
| 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(6)
|- bgcolor="#e5d1cb"
| 7.
| [[5 June]], [[2005]]
| [[French Open]], [[Paris]], [[France]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ARG}} [[Mariano Puerta]]
| 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-1, 7-5
|-
| 8.
| [[4 July]], [[2005]]
| [[Swedish Open|Båstad]], [[Sweden]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|CZE}} [[Tomáš Berdych]]
| 2-6, 6-2, 6-4
|-
| 9.
| [[18 July]], [[2005]]
| [[Mercedes Cup|Stuttgart]], [[Germany]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ARG}} [[Gastón Gaudio]]
| 6-3, 6-3, 6-4
|- bgcolor="#dfe2e9"
| 10.
| [[14 August]], [[2005]]
| [[Canada Masters|Montréal]], [[Canada]]
| Hard
| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Andre Agassi]]
| 6-3, 4-6, 6-2
|-
| 11.
| [[18 September]], [[2005]]
| [[China Open (tennis)|Beijing]], [[China]]
| Hard
| {{flagicon|ARG}} Guillermo Coria
| 5-7, 6-1, 6-2
|- bgcolor="#dfe2e9"
| 12.
| [[23 October]], [[2005]]
| [[Madrid Masters|Madrid]], Spain
| Hard (I)
| {{flagicon|CRO}} [[Ivan Ljubičić]]
| 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3)
|-
| 13.
| [[4 March]], [[2006]]
| [[Dubai Tennis Championships|Dubai]], [[UAE]]
| Hard
| {{flagicon|SUI}} [[Roger Federer]]
| 2-6, 6-4, 6-4
|- bgcolor="#dfe2e9"
| 14.
| [[23 April]], [[2006]]
| Monte Carlo, Monaco
| Clay
| {{flagicon|SUI}} Roger Federer
| 6-2, 6-7(2), 6-3, 7-6(5)
|-
| 15.
| [[30 April]], [[2006]]
| Barcelona, Spain
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Tommy Robredo]]
| 6-4, 6-4, 6-0
|- bgcolor="#dfe2e9"
| 16.
| [[14 May]], [[2006]]
| Rome, Italy
| Clay
| {{flagicon|SUI}} Roger Federer
| 6-7(0), 7-6(5), 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(5)
|- bgcolor="#e5d1cb"
| 17.
| [[11 June]], [[2006]]
| French Open, Paris, France
| Clay
| {{flagicon|SUI}} Roger Federer
| 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6(4)
|- bgcolor="#dfe2e9"
| 18.
| [[18 March]], [[2007]]
| [[Indian Wells Masters|Indian Wells]], [[California]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| Hard
| {{flagicon|SRB}} [[Novak Đoković]]
| 6-2, 7-5
|- bgcolor="#dfe2e9"
| 19.
| [[22 April]], [[2007]]
| Monte Carlo, Monaco
| Clay
| {{flagicon|SUI}} Roger Federer
| 6-4, 6-4
|-
| 20.
| [[29 April]], [[2007]]
| Barcelona, Spain
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ARG}} [[Guillermo Cañas]]
| 6-3, 6-4
|- bgcolor="#dfe2e9"
| 21.
| [[13 May]], [[2007]]
| Rome, Italy
| Clay
| {{flagicon|CHI}} [[Fernando González]]
| 6-2, 6-2
|- bgcolor="#e5d1cb"
| 22.
| [[10 June]], [[2007]]
| French Open, Paris, France
| Clay
| {{flagicon|SUI}} Roger Federer
| 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
|-
| 23.
| [[22 July]], [[2007]]
| Stuttgart, Germany
| Clay
| {{flagicon|SUI}} [[Stanislas Wawrinka]]
| 6-4, 7-5
|}
|24.
| [

=====Runner-ups (7)=====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|'''No.'''
|'''Date'''
|'''Tournament'''
|'''Surface'''
|'''Opponent in the final'''
|'''Score'''
|-
| 1.
| [[12 January]], [[2004]]
| [[Heineken Open|Auckland]], [[New Zealand]]
| Hard
| {{flagicon|SVK}} [[Dominik Hrbatý]]
| 4-6 6-2 7-5
|- bgcolor="#dfe2e9"
| 2.
| [[3 April]], [[2005]]
| [[Miami Masters|Miami]], [[USA]]
| Hard
| {{flagicon|SUI}} [[Roger Federer]]
| 2-6, 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 6-3, 6-1
|- bgcolor="#e5d1cb"
| 3.
| [[9 July]], [[2006]]
| [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]], London, United Kingdom
| Grass
| {{flagicon|SUI}} Roger Federer
| 6-0, 7-6(5), 6-7(2), 6-3
|- bgcolor="#dfe2e9"
| 4.
| [[20 May]], [[2007]]
| [[Hamburg Masters|Hamburg]], Germany
| Clay
| {{flagicon|SUI}} Roger Federer
| 2-6, 6-2, 6-0
|- bgcolor="#e5d1cb"
| 5.
| [[8 July]], [[2007]]
| Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom
| Grass
| {{flagicon|SUI}} [[Roger Federer]]
| 7-6(7), 4-6, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-2
|- bgcolor="#dfe2e9"
| 6.
| [[4 November]], [[2007]]
| [[Paris Masters|Paris]], France
| Hard (i)
| {{flagicon|ARG}} [[David Nalbandian]]
| 6-4, 6-0
|-
| 7.
| [[6 January]], [[2008]]
| [[Chennai Open|Chennai]], [[India]]
| Hard
| {{flagicon|RUS}} [[Mikhail Youzhny]]
| 6-0, 6-1
|}

====Doubles (6)====
=====Wins (3)=====
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#eeeeee"
|'''No.'''
|'''Date'''
|'''Tournament'''
|'''Surface'''
|'''Partnering'''
|'''Opponents in the final'''
|'''Score'''
|-
| 1.
| [[21 August]], [[2003]]
| [[Croatia Open Umag|Umag]], [[Croatia]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Álex López Morón]]
| {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Todd Perry]] <br />{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Thomas Shimada]]
| 6-1, 6-3
|-
| 2.
| [[5 January]], [[2004]]
| [[Chennai Open|Chennai]], [[India]]
| Hard
| {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Tommy Robredo]]
| {{flagicon|ISR}} [[Jonathan Erlich]] <br />{{flagicon|ISR}} [[Andy Ram]]
| 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-3
|-
| 3.
| [[3 January]], [[2005]]
| [[Qatar ExxonMobil Open|Doha]], [[Qatar]]
| Hard
| {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Albert Costa]]
| {{flagicon|ROM}} [[Andrei Pavel]] <br />{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Mikhail Youzhny]]
| 6-3, 4-6, 6-3
|}

=====Runner-ups (3)=====
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#eeeeee"
|'''No.'''
|'''Date'''
|'''Tournament'''
|'''Surface'''
|'''Partnering'''
|'''Opponents in the final'''
|'''Score'''
|-
| 1.
| [[18 April]], [[2005]]
| [[Open Seat|Barcelona]], [[Spain]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Feliciano López]]
| {{flagicon|IND}} [[Leander Paes]]<br />{{flagicon|SCG}} [[Nenad Zimonjić]]
| 6-3, 6-3
|-
| 2.
| [[8 January]], [[2007]]
| [[Chennai Open|Chennai]], [[India]]
| Hard
| {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Tomeu Salvà]]
| {{flagicon|BEL}} [[Xavier Malisse]]<br />{{flagicon|BEL}} [[Dick Norman]]
| 7-6(4), 7-6(4)
|-
| 3.
| [[30 April]], [[2007]]
| Barcelona, Spain
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Tomeu Salvà]]
| {{flagicon|ROU}} [[Andrei Pavel]]<br />{{flagicon|GER}} [[Alexander Waske]]
| 6-3, 7-6(1)
|-
|}

===Performance timeline===
====Singles====
''To prevent confusion and double counting, information in this table is updated only once a tournament or the player's participation in the tournament has concluded. This table is current through the [[Chennai Open]], which ended on [[January 6]], [[2008]].''
<!--if you can't understand the italicized note, it just means wait until he loses in the tournament, or until he wins it before updating numbers, so an editor can do it in just one go. and in updating numbers, include the update of tournaments played, finals reached and won, surface win-loss, overall win-loss, and these numbers in the career column, as well as the win-loss in the footnote. -->
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
! Tournament !! [[2002]] !! [[2003]] !! [[2004]] !! [[2005]] !! [[2006]] !! [[2007]] !! [[2008]] !! width="65"|Career SR !! width="65"|Career Win-Loss
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|[[Australian Open]]
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|[[2004 Australian Open - Men's Singles|3R]]
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|[[2005 Australian Open - Men's Singles|4R]]
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#ffebcd;"|[[2007 Australian Open - Men's Singles|QF]]
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|0 / 3
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|9-3
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|[[French Open]]
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#00ff00;"|[[2005 French Open - Men's Singles|'''W''']]
|align="center" style="background:#00ff00;"|[[2006 French Open - Men's Singles|'''W''']]
|align="center" style="background:#00ff00;"|[[2007 French Open - Men's Singles|'''W''']]
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|3 / 3
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|21-0
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|[[Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]]
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|[[2003 Wimbledon Championships - Men's Singles|3R]]
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|[[2005 Wimbledon Championships - Men's Singles|2R]]
|align="center" style="background:#D8BFD8;"|[[2006 Wimbledon Championships - Men's Singles|F]]
|align="center" style="background:#D8BFD8;"|[[2007 Wimbledon Championships - Men's Singles|F]]
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|0 / 4
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|15-4
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|[[U.S. Open (tennis)|U.S. Open]]
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|[[2003 US Open - Men's Singles|2R]]
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|[[2004 U.S. Open - Men's Singles|2R]]
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|[[2005 U.S. Open - Men's Singles|3R]]
|align="center" style="background:#ffebcd;"|[[2006 U.S. Open - Men's Singles|QF]]
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|[[2007 U.S. Open - Men's Singles|4R]]
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|0 / 5
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|11-5
|- bgcolor=efefef
|style="background:#EFEFEF;" | Grand Slam SR
| align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;" |0 / 0
| align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;" |0 / 2
| align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;" |0 / 2
| align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;" |1 / 4
| align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;" |1 / 3
| align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;" |1 / 4
| align="center"|
| align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;" |3 / 14
|align="center"|N/A
|- bgcolor=efefef
|'''Grand Slam Win-Loss'''
|align="center"|'''0-0
|align="center"|'''3-2
|align="center"|'''3-2
|align="center"|'''13-3
|align="center"|'''17-2
|align="center"|'''20-3
|align="center"|
|align="center"|'''N/A
|align="center"|'''56-12
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|[[Indian Wells Masters]]
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|3R
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:yellow;"|SF
|align="center" style="background:#00ff00;"|'''W'''
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|1 / 3
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|12-2
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|[[Miami Masters]]
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|4R
|align="center" style="background:#D8BFD8;"|F
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|2R
|align="center" style="background:#ffebcd;"|QF
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|0 / 4
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|9-4
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|[[Monte Carlo Masters]]
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|3R
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#00ff00;"|'''W'''
|align="center" style="background:#00ff00;"|'''W'''
|align="center" style="background:#00ff00;"|'''W'''
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|3 / 4
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|19-1
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|[[Rome Masters]]
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#00ff00;"|'''W'''
|align="center" style="background:#00ff00;"|'''W'''
|align="center" style="background:#00ff00;"|'''W'''
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|3 / 3
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|17-0
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|[[Hamburg Masters]]
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|3R
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#D8BFD8;"|F
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|0 / 2
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|6-2
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|[[Canada Masters]]
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|1R
|align="center" style="background:#00ff00;"|'''W'''
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|3R
|align="center" style="background:yellow;"|SF
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|1 / 4
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|11-3
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|[[Cincinnati Masters]]
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|1R
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|1R
|align="center" style="background:#ffebcd;"|QF
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|2R
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|0 / 4
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|3-4
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|[[Madrid Masters]]
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|1R
|align="center" style="background:#afeeee;"|2R
|align="center" style="background:#00ff00;"|'''W'''
|align="center" style="background:#ffebcd;"|QF
|align="center" style="background:#ffebcd;"|QF
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|1 / 5
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|10-4
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|[[Paris Masters]]
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:#D8BFD8;"|F
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|0 / 1
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|4-1
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|[[Tennis Masters Cup]]
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center"|A
|align="center" style="background:yellow;"|SF
|align="center" style="background:yellow;"|SF
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|0 / 2
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|4-4
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
|ATP Tournaments Played
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|11
|align="center"|18
|align="center"|21
|align="center"|16
|align="center"|18
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|N/A
|align="center"|85
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
|ATP Finals Reached
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|12
|align="center"|6
|align="center"|9
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|N/A
|align="center"|28
|- bgcolor=efefef
|'''ATP Tournaments Won'''
|align="center"|'''0
|align="center"|'''0
|align="center"|'''1
|align="center"|'''11
|align="center"|'''5
|align="center"|'''6
|align="center"|'''0
|align="center"|'''N/A
|align="center"|'''23
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|Hard Win-Loss
|align="center"|0-0
|align="center"|1-2
|align="center"|14-10
|align="center"|28-6
|align="center"|23-8
|align="center"|31-12
|align="center"|4-1
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|N/A
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|101-39
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|Clay Win-Loss
|align="center"|1-1
|align="center"|11-6
|align="center"|14-3
|align="center"|50-2
|align="center"|26-0
|align="center"|31-1
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|N/A
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|133-13
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|Grass Win-Loss
|align="center"|0-0
|align="center"|2-1
|align="center"|0-0
|align="center"|1-2
|align="center"|8-2
|align="center"|8-2
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|N/A
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|19-7
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|Carpet Win-Loss
|align="center"|0-0
|align="center"|0-2
|align="center"|2-4
|align="center"|0-0
|align="center"|2-2
|align="center"|0-0
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|N/A
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|4-8
|- bgcolor=efefef
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|'''Overall Win-Loss
|align="center"|'''1-1
|align="center"|'''14-11
|align="center"|'''30-17
|align="center"|'''79-10
|align="center"|'''59-12
|align="center"|'''70-15
|align="center"|'''4-1
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|'''N/A
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|'''257-67
|-
|style="background:#EFEFEF;"|'''Year End Ranking
|align="center"|'''200
|align="center"|'''49
|align="center"|'''51
|align="center" style="background:#D8BFD8;"|'''2
|align="center" style="background:#D8BFD8;"|'''2
|align="center" style="background:#D8BFD8;"|'''2
|align="center"|
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|N/A
|align="center" style="background:#EFEFEF;"|N/A
|}

A = did not participate in the tournament

SR = the ratio of the number of singles tournaments won to the number of those tournaments played

''Davis Cup and World Team Cup matches are included in the statistics.''

===ATP Tour career earnings===
{| cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="font-size: 95%; border: #aaa solid 1px; border-collapse: collapse;"
|- bgcolor="#eeeeee"
! Year !! Majors !! ATP wins !! Total wins !! Earnings ($) !! Money list rank
|-
|align="center"|2002
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="right"|[http://stevegtennis.com/rankings/2002/$$120902.txt 23,975]
|align="center"|[http://stevegtennis.com/rankings/2002/$$120902.txt 345]

|-
|align="center"|2003
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="right"|[http://stevegtennis.com/rankings/2003/$$121503.txt 243,238]
|align="center"|[http://stevegtennis.com/rankings/2003/$$121503.txt 87]

|-
|align="center"|2004
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="right"|[http://stevegtennis.com/rankings/2004/$$121304.txt 447,758]
|align="center"|[http://stevegtennis.com/rankings/2004/$$121304.txt 50]

|-
|align="center"|2005
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|10
|align="center"|11
|align="right"|[http://stevegtennis.com/rankings/2005/$$121905.txt 3,874,751]
|align="center" style="background:#F0DC82;"|[http://stevegtennis.com/rankings/2005/$$121905.txt 2]

|-
|align="center"|2006
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|5
|align="right"|[http://stevegtennis.com/rankings/2006/$$121806.txt 3,746,360]
|align="center" style="background:#F0DC82;"|[http://stevegtennis.com/rankings/2006/$$121806.txt 2]

|-
|align="center"|2007*
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|6
|align="right"|[http://www.atptennis.com/en/media/rankings/Current_Prize.pdf 5,646,935]
|align="center" style="background:#F0DC82;"|[http://www.atptennis.com/en/media/rankings/Current_Prize.pdf 2]

|-
!align="center"|Career
!align="center"|3
!align="center"|20
!align="center"|23
!align="center"|[http://www.atptennis.com/en/common/TrackIt.asp?file=http://www.atptennis.com/en/media/rankings/Career_Prize.pdf 13,983,874]
!align="center"|[http://www.atptennis.com/en/common/TrackIt.asp?file=http://www.atptennis.com/en/media/rankings/Career_Prize.pdf 14]
|}
: * As of [[November 19]], [[2007]].

==Davis Cup==
Nadal was on Spain's victorious [[2004 Davis Cup]] team.

'''First round versus the [[Czech Republic Davis Cup team|Czech Republic]]'''
* Singles: Nadal lost to [[Jiří Novák]] 7-6, 6-3, 7-6.
* Doubles: Nadal and [[Tommy Robredo]] lost to Jiří Novák and [[Radek Štěpánek]] 6-4, 7-6(6), 6-3.
* Singles: Nadal defeated [[Radek Štěpánek]] 7-6, 7-6, 6-3.

'''Quarterfinal versus the [[Netherlands]]'''
* Doubles: Nadal and Robredo lost to [[John van Lottum]] and [[Martin Verkerk]] 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

'''Semifinal versus [[France Davis Cup team|France]]'''
* Singles: Nadal defeated [[Arnaud Clément]] 6-4, 6-1, 6-2.
* Doubles: Nadal and Robredo defeated [[Arnaud Clément]] and [[Michaël Llodra]] 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3.

'''Final versus the [[United States Davis Cup team|United States]]'''
* Singles: Nadal defeated [[Andy Roddick]] 6-7, 6-2, 7-6, 6-2.

==Challengers and futures finals==
===Singles wins (8)===
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#eeeeee"
|'''Legend'''
|- bgcolor="#e5d1cb"
| Challengers (2)
|-
| Futures (6)
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|'''No.'''
|'''Date'''
|'''Tournament'''
|'''Surface'''
|'''Opponent in the final'''
|'''Score'''
|-
| 1.
| [[15 July]], [[2002]]
| [[Alicante]], [[Spain]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Marc Fornell]]
| 7-5, 3-6, 6-3
|-
| 2.
| [[19 August]], [[2002]]
| [[Vigo]], [[Spain]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ARG}} [[Antonio Pastorino]]
| 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-4
|-
| 3.
| [[23 September]], [[2002]]
| [[Barcelona]], [[Spain]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ESP}} Marc Fornell
| 6-4, 6-3
|-
| 4.
| [[30 September]], [[2002]]
| [[Barcelona]], [[Spain]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Guillermo García-López]]
| 6-3, 7-6(1)
|-
| 5.
| [[25 November]], [[2002]]
| [[Gran Canaria]], [[Spain]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ESP}} Marc Fornell
| 6-2, 6-3
|-
| 6.
| [[2 December]], [[2002]]
| [[Gran Canaria]], [[Spain]]
| Hard (I)
| {{flagicon|GER}} [[Florian Mayer]]
| 7-6(3), 6-4
|- bgcolor="#e5d1cb"
| 7.
| [[31 March]], [[2003]]
| [[Barletta]], [[Italy]]
| Clay
| {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Albert Portas]]
| 6-2, 7-6(2)
|- bgcolor="#e5d1cb"
| 8.
| [[4 August]], [[2003]]
| [[Segovia]], [[Spain]]
| Hard
| {{flagicon|CZE}} [[Tomáš Zíb]]
| 6-2, 7-6(1)
|}

===Singles runner-ups (4)===
* [[2003]]: [[Hamburg|Hamburg ''Challenger'']] (lost to [[Mario Ančić]])
* [[2003]]: [[Cherbourg|Cherbourg ''Challenger'']] (lost to [[Sergio Roitman]])
* [[2003]]: [[Cagliari|Cagliari ''Challenger'']] (lost to [[Filippo Volandri]])
* [[2003]]: [[Aix-en-Provence|Aix-en-Provence ''Challenger'']] (lost to [[Mariano Puerta]])

==See also==
* [[List of Grand Slam Men's Singles champions]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{commons|Rafael Nadal}}
* [http://www.rafaelnadal.com Rafael Nadal's Official Site]
* {{ATP|id=N409}}
* [http://steveghelper.com/MatchResults.php?players=Nadal&weeks=12 Nadal Recent Match Results]
* [http://steveghelper.com/RankingHistory.php?player=Nadal Nadal World Ranking History]
* {{DavisCupplayerlink|id=100007935}}
* [http://www.rafa-nadal.com News, photos and Videos de Rafael Nadal] {{en}} {{es}}
* [http://www.rafaelnadal.info/rafael-nadal-pics.htm Rafael Nadal Picture Gallery]
* [http://www.hot-screensaver.com/2007/11/21/rafael-nadal-vs-richard-gasquet-clash-of-the-titans/ Rafael Nadal vs Richard Gasquet, Clash of the Titans]

{{start box}}
{{s-awards}}
{{succession box |
| before = [[Paul-Henri Mathieu]]
| after = [[Florian Mayer]]
| title = [[ATP Awards|ATP Newcomer of the Year]]
| years = 2003
|}}
{{succession box |
| before = [[Joachim Johansson]]
| after = [[Novak Đoković]]
| title = [[ATP Awards|ATP Most Improved Player]]
| years = 2005
|}}
{{succession box |
| before = [[Liu Xiang]]
| after = none<!-- (award replaced by Breakthrough of the Year) -->
| title = [[Laureus World Sports Award for Newcomer of the Year|Laureus World Newcomer of the Year]]
| years = 2006
|}}
{{end box}}

{{Top ten male tennis players}}

{{French Open men's singles champions}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nadal, Rafael}}
[[Category:Spanish tennis players]]
[[Category:Olympic tennis players of Spain]]
[[Category:Tennis players at the 2004 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:French Open champions]]
[[Category:Laureus World Sports Awards winners]]
[[Category:People from Mallorca]]
[[Category:Manacor]]
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]

[[ar:رفائيل نادال]]
[[bn:রাফায়েল নাদাল]]
[[be-x-old:Рафаэль Надаль]]
[[bg:Рафаел Надал]]
[[ca:Rafel Nadal Parera]]
[[cs:Rafael Nadal]]
[[da:Rafael Nadal]]
[[de:Rafael Nadal]]
[[et:Rafael Nadal]]
[[el:Ραφαέλ Ναδάλ]]
[[es:Rafael Nadal]]
[[fa:رافائل نادال]]
[[fr:Rafael Nadal]]
[[gl:Rafael Nadal]]
[[ko:라파엘 나달]]
[[hi:रफ़ाएल नदाल]]
[[id:Rafael Nadal]]
[[it:Rafael Nadal]]
[[he:רפאל נדאל]]
[[mr:रफायेल नडाल]]
[[ms:Rafael Nadal]]
[[nl:Rafael Nadal]]
[[ja:ラファエル・ナダル]]
[[no:Rafael Nadal]]
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[[pt:Rafael Nadal]]
[[ro:Rafael Nadal]]
[[ru:Надаль, Рафаэль]]
[[simple:Rafael Nadal]]
[[sk:Rafael Nadal]]
[[sl:Rafael Nadal]]
[[sr:Рафаел Надал]]
[[sh:Rafael Nadal]]
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[[zh:拿度]]

Revision as of 09:59, 19 January 2008

Rafael Nadal
Nadal getting ready to smash at the 2006 US Open.
Nadal getting ready to smash at the 2006 US Open
Country (sports)Spain Spain
ResidenceManacor, Mallorca
Height1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Turned pro2001
PlaysLeft-handed; two-handed backhand
Prize money$13,983,874[1]
Singles
Career record253 - 66
Career titles23
Highest rankingNo. 2 (July 25, 2005)
Grand Slam singles results
Australian OpenQF (2007)
French OpenW (2005, 2006, 2007)
WimbledonF (2006, 2007)
US OpenQF (2006)
Doubles
Career record58-38
Career titles3
Highest rankingNo. 26 (August 8, 2005)
Last updated on: November 6, 2007.

Rafael Nadal Parera (IPA: [rafa'el na'ðal]) (born June 3, 1986, in Manacor, Mallorca) is a Spanish professional tennis player. As of July 2005, he is ranked No. 2 in the world. He is a three-time Grand Slam champion, having won three consecutive French Open singles titles (2005-07), and has twice been a runner-up at Wimbledon (2006-07). Nadal is undefeated in his career at the French Open, having won all 21 matches he has played en route to his three championships. He also holds the longest winning streak among male players on a single surface in the open era. From April 2005 to May 2007, he won a record 81 consecutive clay court matches, before being defeated by World Number One, Roger Federer, in the 2007 Hamburg Masters final.

Personal life

Nadal was born in Manacor, Mallorca to Sebastián Nadal and Ana María Parera; he also has a younger sister named María Isabel Nadal Parera. His father owns a restaurant and a glass-making business. His uncle, Miguel Ángel, is a retired professional soccer player, having played for RCD Mallorca, FC Barcelona, and the Spanish national team.[2] Nadal remains an avid supporter of RCD Mallorca, as well as Real Madrid.[3] His other uncle, Toni Nadal, introduced him to the sport when Rafael was three years old, he has been coaching him ever since.[4]

Nadal is good friends with fellow Mallorcan Carlos Moyà, who is also his regular practice partner. Moyà has also acted as a mentor to Nadal, especially during the early stages of the latter's career. Off-court, Nadal enjoys playing video games and fishing.[5]

Career

Early years

Although Nadal plays left-handed, he is naturally right-handed. When he was younger, his coach, Toni Nadal aka Uncle Tony, decided that his two-handed backhand would benefit from a strong right arm, so he taught Rafael to play with his left.[6]

It was not until Nadal was 12 that he decided to pursue a career in tennis instead of football.[2] In May 2001, when Nadal was 14 years old, tennis great Pat Cash played a clay-court exhibition match against him. Cash, who was originally scheduled to play Boris Becker, was reluctant to play against Nadal, taking offense to this last minute change of opponent. Cash lost the match by a close margin.[2]

2002 - 2004

In 2002, the 15-year-old Nadal won his first ATP match, defeating Ramon Delgado in Mallorca to become the ninth player in the open era to win an ATP match before his 16th birthday.[7]

In 2003, Nadal became the second-youngest player to be ranked among the world's top 100 singles players. He finished the year in the top 50, winning two Challenger titles. At his Wimbledon debut, Nadal, then 17, became the youngest male player to reach the third round since 16-year-old Boris Becker in 1984.[8]

In 2004, Nadal was forced to miss most of the clay-court season, including the French Open, due to a stress fracture in his left ankle.[2]

2005

2005 was Nadal's breakthrough year. At the Australian Open, he reached the fourth round and pushed the eventual runner-up, Lleyton Hewitt, to five sets. Two months later, he reached the final of the Miami Masters tournament, and despite being two points away from victory in straight sets, he was defeated in five sets by the world's number one player, Roger Federer.

Shifting to the clay court season, Nadal won two ATP Masters Series events in Monte Carlo and Rome. At one point in the year, Nadal won 24 consecutive matches, the longest winning streak of any teenager in the open era, topping Andre Agassi's run of 23 matches in 1988. By May 2005, Nadal had reached the top 5 in the world rankings, becoming the youngest player to break into the top 10 since Andrei Medvedev in 1993.

Nadal entered his first French Open among the favorites. He beat two of France's local hopes, Sébastien Grosjean and Richard Gasquet, to reach the semifinals. On his 19th birthday, he defeated Federer in the semifinals, preventing the Swiss from potentially achieving a career Grand Slam. Two days later, he became the fourth-youngest French Open champion in the open era, defeating Argentina's Mariano Puerta in the final.[9] He became the seventh player to win a Grand Slam in his first appearance at the event and the first since Agassi at the 1995 Australian Open, and he is one of only two people to win at Roland Garros on their first attempt, the first being Mats Wilander in 1982.[4] He also became the first teenager to win a Grand Slam singles title since Pete Sampras won the 1990 U.S. Open at age 19. Nadal is the first teenager to win at least six titles in a year since Agassi in 1988 at the age of 18.

Three days after his victory in Paris, his winning streak was snapped on the grass courts of Halle, Germany, where he was beaten by German Alexander Waske in the first round.[10] He suffered another disappointment at Wimbledon, where he was eliminated in the second round by Gilles Müller of Luxembourg.[11]

In July, at age 19 years, 1 month, and 22 days, Nadal became the third teenager to reach World No. 2 in the history of the ATP computer rankings, which began in 1973, joining Boris Becker (age 18 years, 9 months, and 17 days) and Björn Borg (age 18 years, 10 months, and 2 days) as the only teenagers to be ranked No. 2.[4]

Nadal started his 2005 hardcourt season by defeating Agassi in the final of the Canada Masters. Nadal was seeded second at the U.S. Open but was eliminated in the third round by American James Blake in four sets. Despite the loss, his second seeding and third round performance were both career highs. After the U.S. Open, Nadal won two more hard court tournaments. In September, he defeated Guillermo Coria in the final of the China Open in Beijing, and in October, he won his fourth Masters Series event, defeating Ivan Ljubičić in five sets in the final of the Madrid Masters. He then suffered a foot injury that kept him out of the Tennis Masters Cup in 2005 and the start of 2006, causing him to miss the Australian Open. Overall, Nadal matched world No. 1 Roger Federer's standard in ATP titles won in a single season, eleven, and Masters Series events won, four. He won 79 matches in 2005, second only to Federer's 81.

2006

Nadal at the 2006 French Open

The fierce rivalry between Nadal and Roger Federer continued into 2006. In March 2006, Nadal handed Federer his first loss of the year at the final in Dubai, winning 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. Nadal defeated Federer again at the Monte Carlo Masters by a score of 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 7-6.

The two squared off again in the Rome Masters final. There, it seemed as though Federer might finally defeat his nemesis, thereby ending Nadal's streak of consecutive clay court matches. However, Nadal fought off two match points and won 6-7, 7-6, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6.

Nadal broke Argentinian Guillermo Vilas's 29-year record of 53 consecutive clay court match victories after defeating Robin Soderling in the first round of the 2006 French Open. Following the victory, Nadal was presented with a trophy containing the cross section of the construction of a clay court. Vilas was on hand for the ceremony, although Vilas has refused to acknowledge Nadal's feat as more impressive than his own (which was accomplished in a single season).[12]

At the French Open, Nadal reached the final for the second consecutive year, and squared off against the world's No. 1 player, Roger Federer, in a hotly anticipated match. For Federer, the French Open was the missing link in a career Grand Slam and in holding all four majors simultaneously. For Nadal, the task of defending his French Open title, as well as maintaining a dominant winning record against Federer, was enormous, something that no other player has accomplished thus far. Though Nadal was the favorite based on his clay court ability, Federer was the overwhelming favorite with the raucous French crowd. Everyone expected a highly competitive match, much like the ones they had played in the last three Masters Series tournaments. Yet, the first two sets were hardly competitive, as the rivals traded 6-1 sets. Nadal steamrolled over Federer through the third set and most of the fourth. Federer finally broke Nadal's serve deep in the fourth set as he was serving for the match and forced a tiebreak, which Nadal won. With the win, he became the first player to defeat Federer in a Grand Slam final.[13]

With an undefeated 2006 clay court season, Nadal firmly stamped himself as the dominant clay court player in the world and as the only player able to beat Federer consistently.

In the quarterfinals of Queens Club Championships, a Wimbledon tune-up tournament, Nadal withdrew due to a shoulder injury against Lleyton Hewitt. This loss ended a winning streak of 26 matches, the last loss to Carlos Moyà in March.

Seeded No. 2 going into Wimbledon, Nadal reached the finals, securing a match against Federer by beating Marcos Baghdatis in the semifinals. During his run, Nadal was two points from defeat against American qualifier Robert Kendrick in the second round before coming back to win in five sets. Nadal also defeated Andre Agassi in the third round, in Agassi's final match at Wimbledon. All seven of the previous Nadal/Federer encounters had been played on either clay or hard courts; however, Wimbledon is played on grass, Federer's preferred surface. He had won the title three consecutive years. Though Nadal played well in the final after a sluggish start, he fell in four sets, 6-0, 7-6, 6-7, 6-3, cementing Federer's position at the top of the world rankings. Despite the loss, Nadal well exceeded most expectations by reaching the finals, winning more matches at Wimbledon (six) than he had ever won on grass in his entire career. Prior to the 2006 tennis season, Nadal's record on grass courts stood at three wins and three losses, and even the most optimistic predictions suggested that he would be several years away from being a contender on grass.[14][15]

With their finals appearance, Nadal and Federer became the only pair of men in the open era to reach the Wimbledon final after having both played in the French Open final just a month prior. There have been several men to reach the Wimbledon final after making the French Open final, but never had the same two men accomplished such a feat at the same time. They repeated this feat in 2007.

At the 2006 U.S. Open Nadal reached the quarterfinals, his best result at the tournament to date. He lost to Mikhail Youzhny of Russia in four sets. Nadal failed, however, to reach the third round of his next tournament, the Stockholm Open, where he lost to Joachim Johansson 6-4, 7-6. Nadal also lost in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Masters, where he was defeated by Tomáš Berdych 6-3, 7-6 for the third time. After the tournament, Nadal blamed mental and physical exhaustion for his recent losses.

During the round robin stage of the Tennis Masters Cup, Nadal lost to James Blake, but defeated Nikolay Davydenko and Tommy Robredo. Nadal reached the semifinals as the second place finisher in his group, where he lost to Federer 6-4, 7-5. This was Nadal's third loss in nine career matches with Federer. He and Federer played an exhibition match in Seoul, Korea, the week after the Master's Cup, which Federer won in three sets.

2007

Rafa started 2007 by reaching the semifinals of the Chennai Open in India, where he lost to Xavier Malisse 6-4, 7-6. At his next tournament in Sydney, Australia, Nadal retired from his first match against Chris Guccione with a groin injury. At the Australian Open, Nadal defeated Andy Murray 6-7(3), 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals, where he lost to Fernando González 6-2, 6-4, 6-3.

In the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships, Nadal lost to Mikhail Youzhny 7-6, 6-2. After that loss, he played at the Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells, California, defeating Novak Đoković 6-2, 7-5 in the final. However, at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne, Florida, Nadal was defeated in the quarterfinals by tenth seeded and eventual winner Đjoković 6-3, 6-4.

Nadal defeated Federer in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters 6-4, 6-4. This was Nadal's third consecutive title in the principality, the first player since Ilie Năstase in 1971-73 to accomplish that feat. He followed that hat-trick with another one at the Open Seat in Barcelona, Spain, defeating Guillermo Cañas in the final. At the Rome Masters, Nadal continued his hat-trick streak, beating Fernando González in the final 6-2, 6-2 to become the first man to win in Rome three consecutive years. At the Hamburg Masters, Nadal lost the final to Federer 2-6, 6-2, 6-0. The loss ended Nadal's clay court winning streak at 81, which is the male open-era record for most consecutive victories on a single surface. He thus surpassed John McEnroe's 75-match streak record on indoor carpet.[16]

On May 2, 2007, the "Battle of Surfaces," an exhibition event, took place at the Palma Arena in Mallorca. Nadal and Federer met on a tennis court that was half grass and half clay.[17] Nadal won 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(10).

Nadal and Federer would meet in the final of the French Open for the second consecutive year, and in the latter stages of the tournament for the third time in a row. Nadal prevailed in four sets, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, winning his third straight championship at Roland Garros. With this victory, he became the first player since Björn Borg in 1978-81 to win the French Open in three consecutive years, and once again prevented Federer from achieving the career Grand Slam and owning all four major titles simultaneously.

In preparation for Wimbledon, Nadal played the grass court Queen's Club Championships, losing in the quarterfinals to Frenchman Nicolas Mahut 7-5, 7-6(0).

In Wimbledon, Nadal reached his second final in a row, having been beaten by Federer in the previous year's final. Nadal's road to the final proved difficult, after having nearly been eliminated both in the third and fourth round in tough five-set matches. Numerous rain delays also kept him on the court for seven straight days.[18] In the quarterfinals, Nadal defeated Tomáš Berdych in straight sets, and was awarded victory in his semifinal when fourth seed Novak Đoković retired injured.[19] However, he was defeated 7-6(7), 4-6, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-2 in the final by Federer, marking the Swiss' fifth straight triumph at the event. While leading 4-1 in the fourth set, Nadal had to take some time out to have an ailing knee taped, and although he exhibited no apparent ill effects, the direction of the match then turned in Federer's favor. Nadal failed to convert four break point chances in the fifth set.

Despite the loss, Nadal remains the only active player with a winning record (8-6) against Federer after five matches or more. Nadal is 6-1 on clay, 2-3 on hard courts, and 0-2 on grass against Federer. With his achievement in the 2007 Wimbledon final, Nadal is also both the first player that has forced Federer to a fifth set in a Grand Slam final, and the first to take Federer to a fifth set at Wimbledon since his 2001 fourth round encounter with Pete Sampras.

At the clay-court tournament in Stuttgart, his first tournament since Wimbledon, Nadal defeated comeback player Stanislas Wawrinka in the final to win his second title there in three years (he did not participate in 2006). It was his 23rd title.

Nadal then played the Canada Masters tournament, an event he won in 2005. He reached the semifinal, where he lost to the eventual winner Novak Đoković 7-5, 6-3. The following week, at the Cincinnati Masters, Nadal retired from his first match (a second-round encounter with Juan Mónaco who was leading 7-6, 4-1). Although Nadal had been struggling with a knee injury,[20] it was a problem with his forearm that caused him to retire.

At the 2007 U.S. Open, Nadal was defeated in the fourth round by countryman David Ferrer in four sets, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 6-2. He also lost in the 2007 Madrid Masters quarterfinals. He lost to eventual titlist David Nalbandian 6-1, 6-2. At the 2007 Paris Masters, Nadal reached the semifinals where he slimly defeated Marcos Baghdatis. He faced Nalbandian in the final again, and lost again, 6-4, 6-0.[21] By reaching the final of the Paris Masters, the Cincinnati Masters becomes the only ATP Masters Series event to which Nadal has not reached the title match.

Nadal participated in the Tennis Masters Cup,defeating Richard Gasquet 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the first match of round-robin contention. He then lost to David Ferrer 4-6 6-4 6-3, followed by a 6-4, 6-4 victory in the match against Novak Djokovic. Nadal's advance to the semifinals was guaranteed after Richard Gasquet of France lost 6-1, 6-1, to David Ferrer. The semifinal proved to be the last match of the season as he was beaten 6-4 6-1 by Roger Federer.

During the close season, a very serious problem with his foot was claimed by his coach that might hinder his career. However, Nadal along with his doctor denied this and both he and Nadal claimed he was at perfect health.

2008

Nadal started his season on the 2008 ATP Tour as the top seed at the 2008 Chennai Open. In the first round, he defeated Mathieu Montcourt 6-2, 6-4 [22]. Nadal defeated Rajeev Ram 6-2, 6-1, to advance the quarter finals. Nadal reached the semi finals defeating country man Guillermo García López 6-3, 6-2. Nadal next faced Carlos Moyà, winning in a long match that lasted 3 hours and 54 minutes which equaled the record for the longest 3 set match in tour history that Andrei Cherkasov and Andrea Gaudenzi previously held. All his sets were finished in tiebreakers, and Nadal managed to come away victorious 6-7(3), 7-6(8), 7-6(1). In the finals, he was defeated by Mikhail Youzhny in just over 50 minutes with a lopsided score of 6-0, 6-1.

The Australian Open has begun, and Nadal will play in the fourth round against Paul-Henri Mathieu. He hasn't lost a set yet, so Nadal is doing fairly well.

Playing style

Nadal's playing style is best tailored for clay courts. Playing with a strong two-handed backhand, well-angled topspin strokes, fast mobility on the court, excellent defense, and a preference to play from the deep court, he has developed into one of the best clay court players. He uses an extreme western grip forehand, which allows him to hit heavy topspin forehands giving him a small margin of error because of the height he clears the net. He is naturally right-handed, but he plays left-handed, and uses his dominant hand as an anchor for his two-handed backhand which he can flatten out. Known for his excellent defense, Nadal hits on the run well and creates many winners from seemingly defensive positions. Nadal is extremely athletic, and tends to go after every shot, even apparent winners from his opponents.[23]

While Nadal's serve is not considered one of his strengths because of the lack of pace and variety compared to other players, it has become more of a weapon over the years. Employing usually a hard lefty slice towards most of his opponent's backhand, his serve can be relied upon for consistency and also for some short-point wins (aces, serve-return errors, and serve-return sitters).[23] With excellent accuracy, power, and consistency, his topspin groundstroke is one of his assets. He incorporates a defensive-playing style most of the time by not going for outright winners, but often becomes offensive as well, especially on a fast surface.[24]

Overall, Nadal is an aggressive counterpuncher, forcing his opponents to make errors with his powerful topspin, his speed, and his athleticism.

Equipment

Nadal uses a Babolat AeroPro Drive with Cortex racquet and his string of choice is Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour. This model's handle is a little thinner (L2 grip) to increase spin potential, and the racket more tightly strung than most other players. His clothing sponsor is Nike. Nadal is known for wearing Capri (3/4) pants. He wears the Nike Air Max Breathe Cage shoes [25] and has "Vamos Rafa" written on the side of them, a common exhortation by his fans.[26]

Career statistics

Grand Slam singles finals (5)

Wins (3)

Year Championship Opponent in Final Score in Final
2005 French Open Argentina Mariano Puerta 6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 7-5
2006 French Open (2) Switzerland Roger Federer 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6
2007 French Open (3) Switzerland Roger Federer 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4

Runner-ups (2)

Year Championship Opponent in Final Score in Final
2006 Wimbledon Switzerland Roger Federer 6-0, 7-6, 6-7, 6-3
2007 Wimbledon (2) Switzerland Roger Federer 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-2

ATP Masters Series singles finals (12)

Wins (9)

Year Championship Opponent in Final Score in Final
2005 Monte Carlo Argentina Guillermo Coria 6-3, 6-1, 0-6, 7-5
2005 Rome Argentina Guillermo Coria 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6
2005 Montréal United States Andre Agassi 6-3, 4-6, 6-2
2005 Madrid Croatia Ivan Ljubičić 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6
2006 Monte Carlo (2) Switzerland Roger Federer 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 7-6
2006 Rome (2) Switzerland Roger Federer 6-7, 7-6, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6
2007 Indian Wells Serbia Novak Đoković 6-2, 7-5
2007 Monte Carlo (3) Switzerland Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4
2007 Rome (3) Chile Fernando González 6-2, 6-2

Runner-ups (3)

Year Championship Opponent in Final Score in Final
2005 Miami Switzerland Roger Federer 2-6, 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-1
2007 Hamburg Switzerland Roger Federer 2-6, 6-2, 6-0
2007 Paris Argentina David Nalbandian 6-4, 6-0

All finals (36)

Singles (30)

Wins (23)
Legend
Grand Slam (3)
Tennis Masters Cup (0)
ATP Masters Series (9)
ATP Tour (11)
Titles by Surface
Hard (5)
Clay (18)
Grass (0)
Carpet (0)
No. Date Tournament Surface Opponent in the final Score
1. 9 August, 2004 Sopot, Poland Clay Argentina José Acasuso 6-3, 6-4
2. 14 February, 2005 Costa do Sauípe, Brazil Clay Spain Alberto Martín 6-0, 6-7(2), 6-1
3. 21 February, 2005 Acapulco, Mexico Clay Spain Álbert Montañés 6-1, 6-0
4. 17 April, 2005 Monte Carlo, Monaco Clay Argentina Guillermo Coria 6-3, 6-1, 0-6, 7-5
5. 24 April, 2005 Barcelona, Spain Clay Spain Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-1, 7-6(4), 6-3
6. 2 May, 2005 Rome, Italy Clay Argentina Guillermo Coria 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(6)
7. 5 June, 2005 French Open, Paris, France Clay Argentina Mariano Puerta 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-1, 7-5
8. 4 July, 2005 Båstad, Sweden Clay Czech Republic Tomáš Berdych 2-6, 6-2, 6-4
9. 18 July, 2005 Stuttgart, Germany Clay Argentina Gastón Gaudio 6-3, 6-3, 6-4
10. 14 August, 2005 Montréal, Canada Hard United States Andre Agassi 6-3, 4-6, 6-2
11. 18 September, 2005 Beijing, China Hard Argentina Guillermo Coria 5-7, 6-1, 6-2
12. 23 October, 2005 Madrid, Spain Hard (I) Croatia Ivan Ljubičić 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3)
13. 4 March, 2006 Dubai, UAE Hard Switzerland Roger Federer 2-6, 6-4, 6-4
14. 23 April, 2006 Monte Carlo, Monaco Clay Switzerland Roger Federer 6-2, 6-7(2), 6-3, 7-6(5)
15. 30 April, 2006 Barcelona, Spain Clay Spain Tommy Robredo 6-4, 6-4, 6-0
16. 14 May, 2006 Rome, Italy Clay Switzerland Roger Federer 6-7(0), 7-6(5), 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(5)
17. 11 June, 2006 French Open, Paris, France Clay Switzerland Roger Federer 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6(4)
18. 18 March, 2007 Indian Wells, California, U.S. Hard Serbia Novak Đoković 6-2, 7-5
19. 22 April, 2007 Monte Carlo, Monaco Clay Switzerland Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4
20. 29 April, 2007 Barcelona, Spain Clay Argentina Guillermo Cañas 6-3, 6-4
21. 13 May, 2007 Rome, Italy Clay Chile Fernando González 6-2, 6-2
22. 10 June, 2007 French Open, Paris, France Clay Switzerland Roger Federer 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
23. 22 July, 2007 Stuttgart, Germany Clay Switzerland Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4, 7-5

|24. | [

Runner-ups (7)
No. Date Tournament Surface Opponent in the final Score
1. 12 January, 2004 Auckland, New Zealand Hard Slovakia Dominik Hrbatý 4-6 6-2 7-5
2. 3 April, 2005 Miami, USA Hard Switzerland Roger Federer 2-6, 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 6-3, 6-1
3. 9 July, 2006 Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom Grass Switzerland Roger Federer 6-0, 7-6(5), 6-7(2), 6-3
4. 20 May, 2007 Hamburg, Germany Clay Switzerland Roger Federer 2-6, 6-2, 6-0
5. 8 July, 2007 Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom Grass Switzerland Roger Federer 7-6(7), 4-6, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-2
6. 4 November, 2007 Paris, France Hard (i) Argentina David Nalbandian 6-4, 6-0
7. 6 January, 2008 Chennai, India Hard Russia Mikhail Youzhny 6-0, 6-1

Doubles (6)

Wins (3)
No. Date Tournament Surface Partnering Opponents in the final Score
1. 21 August, 2003 Umag, Croatia Clay Spain Álex López Morón Australia Todd Perry
Japan Thomas Shimada
6-1, 6-3
2. 5 January, 2004 Chennai, India Hard Spain Tommy Robredo Israel Jonathan Erlich
Israel Andy Ram
7-6(3), 4-6, 6-3
3. 3 January, 2005 Doha, Qatar Hard Spain Albert Costa Romania Andrei Pavel
Russia Mikhail Youzhny
6-3, 4-6, 6-3
Runner-ups (3)
No. Date Tournament Surface Partnering Opponents in the final Score
1. 18 April, 2005 Barcelona, Spain Clay Spain Feliciano López India Leander Paes
Serbia and Montenegro Nenad Zimonjić
6-3, 6-3
2. 8 January, 2007 Chennai, India Hard Spain Tomeu Salvà Belgium Xavier Malisse
Belgium Dick Norman
7-6(4), 7-6(4)
3. 30 April, 2007 Barcelona, Spain Clay Spain Tomeu Salvà Romania Andrei Pavel
Germany Alexander Waske
6-3, 7-6(1)

Performance timeline

Singles

To prevent confusion and double counting, information in this table is updated only once a tournament or the player's participation in the tournament has concluded. This table is current through the Chennai Open, which ended on January 6, 2008.

Tournament 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Career SR Career Win-Loss
Australian Open A A 3R 4R A QF 0 / 3 9-3
French Open A A A W W W 3 / 3 21-0
Wimbledon A 3R A 2R F F 0 / 4 15-4
U.S. Open A 2R 2R 3R QF 4R 0 / 5 11-5
Grand Slam SR 0 / 0 0 / 2 0 / 2 1 / 4 1 / 3 1 / 4 3 / 14 N/A
Grand Slam Win-Loss 0-0 3-2 3-2 13-3 17-2 20-3 N/A 56-12
Indian Wells Masters A A 3R A SF W 1 / 3 12-2
Miami Masters A A 4R F 2R QF 0 / 4 9-4
Monte Carlo Masters A 3R A W W W 3 / 4 19-1
Rome Masters A A A W W W 3 / 3 17-0
Hamburg Masters A 3R A A A F 0 / 2 6-2
Canada Masters A A 1R W 3R SF 1 / 4 11-3
Cincinnati Masters A A 1R 1R QF 2R 0 / 4 3-4
Madrid Masters A 1R 2R W QF QF 1 / 5 10-4
Paris Masters A A A A A F 0 / 1 4-1
Tennis Masters Cup A A A A SF SF 0 / 2 4-4
ATP Tournaments Played 1 11 18 21 16 18 1 N/A 85
ATP Finals Reached 0 0 2 12 6 9 1 N/A 28
ATP Tournaments Won 0 0 1 11 5 6 0 N/A 23
Hard Win-Loss 0-0 1-2 14-10 28-6 23-8 31-12 4-1 N/A 101-39
Clay Win-Loss 1-1 11-6 14-3 50-2 26-0 31-1 N/A 133-13
Grass Win-Loss 0-0 2-1 0-0 1-2 8-2 8-2 N/A 19-7
Carpet Win-Loss 0-0 0-2 2-4 0-0 2-2 0-0 N/A 4-8
Overall Win-Loss 1-1 14-11 30-17 79-10 59-12 70-15 4-1 N/A 257-67
Year End Ranking 200 49 51 2 2 2 N/A N/A

A = did not participate in the tournament

SR = the ratio of the number of singles tournaments won to the number of those tournaments played

Davis Cup and World Team Cup matches are included in the statistics.

ATP Tour career earnings

Year Majors ATP wins Total wins Earnings ($) Money list rank
2002 0 0 0 23,975 345
2003 0 0 0 243,238 87
2004 0 1 1 447,758 50
2005 1 10 11 3,874,751 2
2006 1 4 5 3,746,360 2
2007* 1 5 6 5,646,935 2
Career 3 20 23 13,983,874 14
* As of November 19, 2007.

Davis Cup

Nadal was on Spain's victorious 2004 Davis Cup team.

First round versus the Czech Republic

Quarterfinal versus the Netherlands

Semifinal versus France

Final versus the United States

Challengers and futures finals

Singles wins (8)

Legend
Challengers (2)
Futures (6)
No. Date Tournament Surface Opponent in the final Score
1. 15 July, 2002 Alicante, Spain Clay Spain Marc Fornell 7-5, 3-6, 6-3
2. 19 August, 2002 Vigo, Spain Clay Argentina Antonio Pastorino 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-4
3. 23 September, 2002 Barcelona, Spain Clay Spain Marc Fornell 6-4, 6-3
4. 30 September, 2002 Barcelona, Spain Clay Spain Guillermo García-López 6-3, 7-6(1)
5. 25 November, 2002 Gran Canaria, Spain Clay Spain Marc Fornell 6-2, 6-3
6. 2 December, 2002 Gran Canaria, Spain Hard (I) Germany Florian Mayer 7-6(3), 6-4
7. 31 March, 2003 Barletta, Italy Clay Spain Albert Portas 6-2, 7-6(2)
8. 4 August, 2003 Segovia, Spain Hard Czech Republic Tomáš Zíb 6-2, 7-6(1)

Singles runner-ups (4)

See also

References

  1. ^ "ATP Tour". Retrieved 2007-11-19.
  2. ^ a b c d Clarey, Christopher (2005-06-06). "Rafael Nadal, Barely 19, He's Got Game, Looks and Remarkably Good Manners". New York Times. Retrieved 2007-02-16. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  3. ^ "BBC - Sportsround meets Rafael Nadal".
  4. ^ a b c "Rafael Nadal Official Website". Retrieved 2007-02-16. Cite error: The named reference "official website" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  5. ^ http://timesonline.typepad.com/rafael_nadal/
  6. ^ Pages, John (2006-05-02). "PlayStation or on-court, Raging Bull wins". Sun Star. Retrieved 2007-02-16. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) Also from Nadal's official page, through its "Ask Rafa" service.
  7. ^ Tignor, Stephen (2006-06-20). "Wimbledon 2006: The Duel". Retrieved 2007-02-16.
  8. ^ Clarey, Christopher (2003-06-26). "WIMBLEDON TENNIS : An unusual comfort zone". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2007-02-16. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  9. ^ "Nadal battles to French Open win". BBC Sport. 2005-06-05. Retrieved 2007-02-16. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  10. ^ "Waske snaps Nadal's winning streak". Associated Press. 2005-06-10. Retrieved 2007-02-16. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  11. ^ Watkins, Alistair (2005-06-23). "Nadal suffers shock Muller defeat". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2007-02-16. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  12. ^ Garber, Greg (2006-05-31). "With Vilas in stands, Nadal makes history". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2007-04-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  13. ^ Garber, Greg (2006-06-12). "Roger's reign on hold with Nadal's dominance". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2007-03-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  14. ^ "Rafael Nadal - RUNNER-UP". 2007-06-20. Retrieved 2007-07-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  15. ^ Jenkins, Bruce (2007-07-08). "Only Nadal in way of Federer's record run". San Francisco. Retrieved 2007-07-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  16. ^ "Federer has fallen the most during Nadal's streak". Retrieved 2007-05-10.
  17. ^ "The Battle of Surfaces". Retrieved 2007-04-22.
  18. ^ Brown, Sophie (2007-07-06). "Đoković sets up semi with Nadal". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2007-07-09. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ Newbery, Piers (2007-07-07). "Nadal through as Đoković retires". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2007-07-09. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  20. ^ Kay, Joe (2007-08-16). "Nadal's Knee Mends as U.S. Open Nears". AOL Sports. Retrieved 2007-08-16.
  21. ^ ATP (2007-10-03). "Gutsy Nadal Dashes Cypriot's Hopes". ATP. Retrieved 2007-10-03. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ Association of Tennis Professionals (2008-01-01). "Nadal Rolls, Haase Springs New Year Surprise". Association of Tennis Professionals. Retrieved 2008-01-01. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. ^ a b Cooper, Jeff. "Rafael Nadal - Game Profile". Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  24. ^ Bowers, Ray. "U.S. Open Forecast 2005". Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  25. ^ "Nike Air Max Breathe Cage". Retrieved 2007-09-5. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  26. ^ "Nadal's trainers photo". Retrieved 2007-03-28.
Template:S-awards
Preceded by ATP Newcomer of the Year
2003
Succeeded by
Preceded by ATP Most Improved Player
2005
Succeeded by
Preceded by Laureus World Newcomer of the Year
2006
Succeeded by
none