Rafael Nadal spent more than two decades at the top of men’s tennis. Take a look back at his life and career in photos.
Rafael Nadal is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. The Spanish star burst onto the international scene as a teenager and won his first Grand Slam title at the French Open in 2005. Over the next two decades, Nadal built a legendary career highlighted by a record 14 French Open championships, earning him the nickname “King of Clay” for his dominance on the surface.
In addition to his success at Roland Garros, Nadal won two Australian Open titles, two Wimbledon championships and four U.S. Open titles, bringing his Grand Slam total to 22. He also captured Olympic gold medals in singles at the 2008 Beijing Games and doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics. After battling injuries throughout the later stages of his career, Nadal retired from professional tennis in 2024, leaving behind one of the most accomplished résumés in sports history. More recently, the tennis icon reflected on his retirement and long battle with injuries in the Netflix documentary Rafa, offering fans a closer look at his final years on tour.
Nadal has shared much of his journey with his wife, Maria Francisca Perelló, whom he married in 2019. The couple are now parents to two sons and have largely focused on family life since his retirement.
Click through the gallery to see photos of Nadal from throughout his life and legendary tennis career.
1 of 15
Rafael Nadal
Ella Ling/BPI/Shutterstock
Here, Rafael Nadal of Spain plays in the Men’s Final of the US Open Tennis Championships 2019 at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York.
October 18, 2019, 3:44PM 2 of 15
Nadal In Pink
SEBASTIEN NOGIER/EPA-EFE/Shutter
Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during his third-round match against Federico Delbonis of Argentina at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 14 April 2021.
April 16, 2021, 10:03AM 3 of 15
Nadal In Pink (again)
SEBASTIEN NOGIER/EPA-EFE/Shutter
Rafael Nadal also wore pink in his match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tournament. He defeated Grigor to go on to the quarterfinals.
April 16, 2021, 10:03AM 4 of 15
Rafael Nadal lifts the Laver Cup in 2019
SALVATORE DI NOLFI/EPA-EFE/Shutt
Team Europe’s Rafael Nadal lifts the Laver Cup trophy after winning against Team World at the Laver Cup tennis event in Geneva. Fellow team members included Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem.
October 18, 2019, 3:44PM 5 of 15
Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup
MARTIAL TREZZINI/EPA-EFE/Shutter
Team Europe’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his singles match against Team World’s Milos Raonic at the Laver Cup tennis event in Geneva. Rafael has a reputation for being an incredibly intense player.
October 18, 2019, 3:43PM 6 of 15
Rafel Nadal wins the US Open Tennis Championships 2019
Ella Ling/BPI/Shutterstock
Rafael Nadal of Spain lifts the US Open trophy as he celebrates winning the US Open. The win marked his 19th overall grand slam.
October 18, 2019, 3:44PM 7 of 15
A Night With The Stars Barclays ATP World Tour Finals Gala
Zed Jameson / FameFlynet.uk.com
Rafael Nadal and Maria Francisca Perello attend ‘A Night With The Stars’ Barclays ATP World Tour Finals Gala hosted by Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and supported by Moet & Chandon at Battersea Power Station. The couple looked great on the red carpet.
October 18, 2019, 3:48PM 8 of 15
Rafael Nadal and Xisca Perello at Good Money Gala
Shutterstock
Rafael Nadal and his partner Maria Francisca Perello at the Good Money Gala in February 2018. The couple would later get engaged in May 2018.
October 18, 2019, 3:48PM 9 of 15
Rafael Nadal on court in Australia
REX/Shutterstock
Rafael Nadal sizes up his opponent during a match. The tennis pro hit the court in Australia.
October 18, 2019, 3:35PM 10 of 15
Rafael Nadal and Xisca Perello get cozy
SplashNews
Rafael Nadal & his girlfriend Xisca Perello get cozy on the water. The pair are a very private couple.
October 18, 2019, 3:35PM 11 of 15
Rafael Nadal and Xisca Perello kayaking
SplashNews
Rafael Nadal & Xisca Perello kayak together. The two have been together since 2005.
October 18, 2019, 3:35PM 12 of 15
Rafael Nada and Xisca Perello
SplashNews
Rafael Nadal & his girlfriend Xisca Perello. The private couple walked along the beach during some down time.
October 18, 2019, 3:35PM 13 of 15
Rafael Nadal celebrates a win
REX/Shutterstock
Rafal Nadal at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia. The tennis star lifted his fists in the air to celebrate yet another win!
October 18, 2019, 3:35PM 14 of 15
Rafael Nadal playing in the Australian Tennis Open
REX/Shutterstock
Rafal Nadal at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia. The world men’s top ten player made a fierce competitor on the court.
October 18, 2019, 3:35PM 15 of 15
Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open
REX/Shutterstock
Rafal Nadal at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia. The tennis pro celebrated his win on the court.
October 18, 2019, 3:35PM Click to Subscribe to Get Our Free HollywoodLife Daily Newsletter to get the hottest celeb news. Articles Trending Now
Trending Now
California Election Results: Live Updates on Primary Race for Governor, L.A. Mayor & More
Who Won the California Governor Race? Updates on Primary Election Results
Scott Pelley Net Worth: How Much Money the Former '60 Minutes' Journalist Makes
