Rafael Nadal was born June 3, 1986 in Mallorca, Spain. He has quickly become one of the leading competitors in 21st century tennis, especially noted for his performance on clay.
Nadal grew up in a sports-minded family and was also an accomplished football (soccer) player at a young age. In his early years, Nadal (who writes with his right hand) played left-handed tennis with both a two-handed forehand and backhand. When he was 12 years old, however, his uncle encouraged him to adopt a more conventional left-handed style. Nadal stuck with his two-handed backhand but switched to what quickly became his signature one-handed forehand, the stroke that is credited with lifting him into the sport's upper echelon.
Nadal, who turned professional in 2001, had appeared in only one Grand Slam tournament as a junior competitor when he reached the semifinals of the 2002 Wimbledon championships. He began his professional career in earnest the following year, breaking into the top 50 in the world. In 2004 he played a crucial role in Spain's defeat over the United States in the Davis Cup final. Toppling Andy Roddick—then number two in the world—in a four-set opening-day singles clash, Nadal became the youngest player (at 18 years 6 months) in the history of the international team competition to win a singles match for a victorious country.
Nadal's many honors include: ATP Newcomer of the Year (2003), ATP Most Improved Player of the Year (2005), Laureus Newcomer of the Year (2006), ATP Player of the Year (2008 & 2010) and The Prince of Asturias Award for Sports (2008).
Rafael Nadal is the youngest player in the Open Era & fourth overall to complete a career Grand Slam.
Rafael Nadal, tennis great, is available through IMG Speakers bureau for speaking engagements. Rafael Nadal is also available for celebrity appearances, corporate hospitality events, meet and greets, tennis clinics, and much more. Please contact IMG Speakers at 212-774-6735 or speakers@imgworld.com for more information on booking Rafael Nadal.
