Rafael Nadal is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. The Spanish star burst onto the international scene as a teenager and won his first Grand Slam title at the French Open in 2005. Over the next two decades, Nadal built a legendary career highlighted by a record 14 French Open championships, earning him the nickname “King of Clay” for his dominance on the surface.
In addition to his success at Roland Garros, Nadal won two Australian Open titles, two Wimbledon championships and four U.S. Open titles, bringing his Grand Slam total to 22. He also captured Olympic gold medals in singles at the 2008 Beijing Games and doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics. After battling injuries throughout the later stages of his career, Nadal retired from professional tennis in 2024, leaving behind one of the most accomplished résumés in sports history. More recently, the tennis icon reflected on his retirement and long battle with injuries in the Netflix documentary Rafa, offering fans a closer look at his final years on tour.
Nadal has shared much of his journey with his wife, Maria Francisca Perelló, whom he married in 2019. The couple are now parents to two sons and have largely focused on family life since his retirement.
Click through the gallery to see photos of Nadal from throughout his life and legendary tennis career.
