Rafael Nadal
Tennis Player
Name at birth: Rafael Nadal-Parera
Rafael Nadal was 19 years and two days old when he won the 2005 French Open in his very first appearance at the event. A left-hander with a booming forehand, Nadal has been known as a clay-court specialist since playing his first pro tournaments in 2001. His aggressive style, flowing hair and muscular build have made him a consistent favorite with female fans as well. He won his first singles title in 2004, and had a breakout season in 2005, winning at Monte Carlo, Rome, Barcelona and Stuttgart as well as at Roland Garros. In 2006 he again won the French Open, defeating Roger Federer in the final.
Extra credit: Though his full name is Rafael Nadal-Parera, he is generally known simply as Rafael Nadal... According to the ATP Tour site, he is "nicknamed 'Rafa' by his countrymen"... Nadal beat Mariano Puerta in the French Open final, 6-7 6-3 6-1 7-5... Mallorca is one of the Balearic Islands, which stand in the Mediterranean Ocean off the coast of Spain.
Other tennis stars of Nadal's era include Switzerland's Roger Federer, American Andy Roddick and Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne.
Four Good Links
ATP Tour: Rafael Nadal
Marvelous statistics and details on Nadal from the pro tennis tour
Vamos Rafael
Frisky, well-tuned fan page in Spanish and English
The Ugly Backswing
2005 Slate article praises Nadal and makes fun of his technique
BBC Sport: Tennis
Always a good spot for general coverage year-round
Vital Stats
Birth
Birthplace
Death
--
Best Known As
Teenaged winner of the 2005 French Open
