Rafael Nadal Biography

Fast Facts

• Surpassed Björn Borg for the most French Open titles in 2012 by winning the Grand Slam for the seventh time
• Founded the Rafa Nadal Foundation in 2008 to help support disadvantaged youth
• In 2006, he became the first person to beat Roger Federer in a Grand Slam final
• Won the Davis Cup with the Spanish National Team in 2004
• Started playing tennis at the age of four after being coached by his uncle Toni Nadal
• Quote: "If you don't lose, you can't enjoy victories․ You have to accept both things․"
• Quote: "Enduring means accepting․ Accepting things as they are and not as you wish them to be․ And then looking ahead․ And not behind․"
• Best known for his dominating play on clay courts
• Was featured in Shakira's music video for her song "Gypsy․"
• Is right-handed, but plays tennis with his left hand