Profile:
Age: 25 (03.06.1986)
Birthplace: Manacor, Mallorca, Spain
Residence: Manacor, Mallorca, Spain
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
Weight: 188 lbs (85 kg)
Plays: Left-handed
Turned Pro: 2001
Coach: Toni Nadal
Biography:
Rafael Nadal, “The King of Clay,” was born June 3, 1986 in Manacor, Mallorca. He plays for Spain and is ranked number 2 in the world as of July 25, 2007, but placed in fourth after losing to David Ferrer whom is from Spain as well. Nadal won his first ATP match against Ramon Delgado at just 15, making him the ninth player in the open era to win an ATP match before his 16th birthday. He received his nickname “King of Clay” in 2006 where he went the entire year without losing a single match on a clay court. He even defeated Roger Federer, the number one player in the world, at the 2006 Grand Slam final, making him the first person to defeat Federer in a Grand Slam final. Nadal is ambidextrous, he plays tennis lefty but writes right handed and has a two handed backhand. He began tennis as playing right handed but was then taught to play lefty because his coach/uncle thought using his right arm for a two handed back hand would benefit him more. From the match that I watched, I would definitely consider Nadal to be a grinder over other types. He has been through several injuries over the past year but he seemed to be extraordinarily explosive and quick on the courts despite is taped up ankle. He has great support from his family, bringing 22 family members to the match; I would consider him to be very family oriented. He owes his fame to his uncle Toni, his Uncle has taught him tennis his entire life, since about three years old. I have never really gotten into watching tennis on TV, but I found watching Nadal play was very interesting. His backhands seemed to be just as smooth and strong as his forehand. His very heavy topspin gave Ferrer a lot of work, but he played very well also, he was able to counter Nadal’s shots despite the wide angles, heavy spins, and high bounces.
Pictures:
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal
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