Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal also known as Rafa is a 22 year oldNadal's career really began to take off in 2002 when
Spanish tennis player. Nadal's Uncle Toni who also is ahe was just 15 years old when he became the ninth
tennis player introduced tennis to Nadal when he wasplayer in the open era to win before age 16. In 2003 he
only 3 years old and has coached him thought hisbecame the second youngest male player to rank in
career. Nadal also played football and was force tothe world's top 50 players. In 2004 Nadal won his first
choose between them at the age of 12 so that hissingles title. In 2005 Nadal was No. 2 in rankings. They
education was not affected because he was playingcall him The King of Clay because of his abilities on a
tennis or football all the time. At the age of 16 Nadalclay courts. In tournament finals his record was 22
had been ranked as being one of the top 50 tenniswins and 1 loss and is undefeated in 41 of five sets of
players in the world. Nadal being naturally right handedmatches played on clay. During April 2005 until May of
was taught by his uncle Toni to play left handed2007 Nadal won 81 matches in a row making him the
because he thoughtowner of the longest single-surface winning streak.
Nadal's two-handed backhand would benefit him with aNadal won the French Open in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
strong right arm. He uses a full western grip forehand,As of August 2008 Nadal has a 67 wins and 8 losses
which allows him to hit a heavy, powerful topspinand has won eight singles titles, including the French
forehand giving him a bigger margin of error becauseOpen, Wimbledon, and the Olympic Games. He also
of the height in which he clears the net and the speedhad a 32 match winning streak during which he
of which the ball drops because of the topspin that isreceived five titles.Nadal is the number one tennis
applied to the ball. Nadal uses a Babolat AeroPro Driveplayer in the world and is considered the best spanish
without cortex, and his racquet strung is between 50player of all time.
and 58 pounds.Nadal was born in Manacor, Majorca to
His clothing is sponsored by Nike. Nadal is known forSebastián Nadal and Ana María Parera.
his unconventional wear, such as sleeveless tops andHe has a younger sister named María Isabel.
Capri pants. He wears the Nike Air Max Breathe CageNadal's upbringing and early years are largely kept
II shoes[24] which have been customized for him withprivate, he has stated growing up his passions were
the famous "Vamos Rafa" written on the side offootball, tennis, and fishing, and as of 2008 he has been
them.[25] Currently, his shoes display his nicknamedating María Francesca Perelló,also
"Rafa" on one shoe and a logo specifically designedfrom Majorca, for three years.
by Nike featuring a stylistic bull's head on the other.