WATCH: A young Rafael Nadal names Clay as his least favorite surface
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(L) A young Rafael Nadal giving interview, (R) Rafael Nadal with the 2022 French Open trophy
Rafael Nadal holds the distinction of being the most successful Grand Slam champion in singles. The former World No. 1 has won a total of 22 Grand Slams since turning pro in 2001. Nadal has also won two Olympic golds, winning the singles gold in 2008 and picking the doubles gold in 2016.
The Spaniard has also led Spain to five Davis Cup titles playing an instrumental role in the wins. With 92 career titles, Nadal is the 4th most successful trophy winner in the Open Era. Ahead of the Spaniard are only Ivan Lendl (94), Roger Federer (103), and Jimmy Connors (106).
Of the 22 majors, Nadal won a staggering 14 at the French Open, the most by any player at any major. He won his first in 2005 and lost at the major for the first time in 2009. He won five on the trot from 2010-2014 and then four consecutive titles again from 2017 to 2020. The former World No. 1 won his record-extending 14th title at the 2022 French Open. The titles have deservingly earned him the title of ‘King of Clay’ but Nadal did not love clay from the very start.
In a now-viral video, a young Rafa can be seen speaking of his favorite surfaces. “I prefer indoor hard-courts and grass to clay. But I also like clay,” said Nadal. Little did he know how his fortune would change drastically in the coming years. When asked about his biggest goal, Nadal further said, “Winning Wimbledon, but I have to work hard.”
Rafael Nadal has played in 71 finals on Clay
The King of Clay has played in 71 finals on clay during his illustrious career. Of those, he lost only 8 of those winning 63 titles, amounting to a success rate of 88.7%. Since the 2015 Madrid Open finals against Andy Murray, Nadal hasn’t lost a final on the surface. At the Monte Carlo Masters, he holds the record for most titles with 11 to his name.
At the Rome Masters, he is a 10-time title winner, another unmatched record. Rafa is a 5-time title winner at the Madrid Masters while being a 12-time title winner at the Barcelona Open. These records are just a testament to his dominance on the surface at the biggest Tour events after the French Open.
Nadal would be himself amused to have said that indoor hardcourts are his favorite surface. The only title missing from his cabinet is the ATP Finals which is played on indoor hard courts. He reached the finals twice but is yet to win a title at the year-end championships. But he would be rather happy to have won Wimbledon twice achieving his childhood goal.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)