 The current World No. 6, Rafael Nadal, battled from two sets down at the finals of the Australian Open 2022, to win his 21st Grand Slam title. In the epic 5 hours 24 minute clash, he defeated Russian World No. 2, Daniil Medvedev, to etch his name in the history books for yet another time. A left foot injury forced Nadal to announce that he would not take part in the 2021 Wimbledon Championship, the Tokyo Olympics, and the US Open. While he did not undergo surgery, he was on crutches just a few months back. He also spoke about how his team had contemplated whether he could even be back at the tour at all, let alone lift another title. Sporting Fraternity Goes Beserk as Rafael Nadal Wins 21st Grand Slam [https://www.essentiallysports.com/goat-andy-roddick-stan-wawrinka-pau-gasol-iker-casillas-tony-kroos-and-entire-sporting-fraternity-goes-beserk-as-rafael-nadal-wins-21st-grand-slam-atp-tennis-news/] This was Nadal’s sixth final at Melbourne Park, where he won way back in 2019. In 2012, he lost to Novak Djokovic [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/novak-djokovic/], in a match that lasted 5 hours 53 minutes- the longest final at a final of any major. In 2014, he lost to Stan Wawrinka [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/stan-wawrinka/] and in 2017 to Roger Federer [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/roger-federer]. He said that this win, therefore, was ‘most unexpected’ and ‘surprising‘. This was more so, given the condition he had been in, leading up to the season. He had only played an exhibition tournament at Mubadala Tennis Championship and the Melbourne Summer Set before beginning his quest for the 21st Grand Slam. RAFAEL NADAL SAID THIS EVENING WOULD BE “UNFORGETTABLE” In the post-match interview, Nadal described this victory as something that was ‘unforgettable’. He also mentioned that this was, without a doubt, one of his most emotional matches. “If we put everything together, the scenario, the momentum … without a doubt, it’s probably been the biggest comeback of my tennis career,” he said [https://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/my-greatest-comeback-nadal-describes-21st-slam-as-unforgettable-20220131-p59sfq.html]. Rafael Nadal [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-01-30T142132Z_1369055792_UP1EI1U13MYKV_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-AUSOPEN.jpg]Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 31, 2022 Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning the final against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Nadal, who has always maintained that he was unperturbed by the Grand Slam tally, said that 21 was indeed a special number. “I feel honoured. I feel lucky to achieve one more very special thing in my tennis career. I don’t care much if I am the one or not the one, or the best in history or not the best in history. Honestly, today I don’t care much… For me it’s about enjoying nights like today. That means everything for me. It means even more to achieve a second Australian Open – more than any other thing,” he added. 4 Truly, an icon of the game and the greatest to grace the courts, Nadal is a modern-day legend. 2022 Controversies [https://www.essentiallysports.com/stories/tennis-news-from-locker-room-fight-to-deportation-biggest-australian-open-2022-controversies/] 

Rafael Nadal becomes the first and only man to win 21 Grand Slam Titles. Read
more about the victory he calls his 'greatest comeback.'

Rishma Banerjee is a tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having done her masters in Political Science with International Relations from Jadavpur University, Rishma's outlet from the hustle-bustle of academics has always been sports, especially Tennis. A die-hard fan of Rafael Nadal, she admires his grit, determination and dedication towards always being better. When not writing content for firms dealing with fintech to social media marketing to sports, she finds herself in journals and books dealing with geopolitics and strategic studies or scrolling endlessly through Tumblr!

Rishma Banerjee

Rishma Banerjee is a tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having done her masters in Political Science with International Relations from Jadavpur University, Rishma's outlet from the hustle-bustle of academics has always been sports, especially Tennis. A die-hard fan of Rafael Nadal, she admires his grit, determination and dedication towards always being better.

Rishma Banerjee | Tennis Author at EssentiallySports

EssentiallySports

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Rishma Banerjee is a tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having done her masters
in Political Science with International Relations from Jadavpur University,
Rishma's outlet from the hustle-bustle of academics has always been sports,
especially Tennis. A die-hard fan of Rafael Nadal, she admires his grit,
determination and dedication towards always being better. When not writing
content for firms dealing with fintech to social media marketing to sports, she
finds herself in journals and books dealing with geopolitics and strategic
studies or scrolling endlessly through Tumblr!

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Rishma-edited.png

“GOAT”: Roddick, Wawrinka, Gasol, Casillas, Kroos, and Entire Sporting
Fraternity Goes Beserk as Rafael Nadal Wins 21st Grand Slam

Australian Open

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 28, 2022 Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his semi final match against Italy's Matteo Berrettini REUTERS/Loren Elliott

Australian Open - EssentiallySports

Vatsal Shah, a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports, combines sports management insight with two years of rich content creation experience. His journey at ES involves delving into the core of tennis, covering ATP/WTA tours, and contributing 2000+ articles. Notably, one of his pieces on Venus Williams garnered over 400k views. For Vatsal, writing isn't just a job; it's a work of passion aligned with his admiration for tennis, making ES the ultimate playground for his skills. Beyond words, Vatsal finds joy in traveling, adding an adventurous touch to his multifaceted persona.

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Vatsal Shah

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“Biggest Comeback of My Career”: Rafael Nadal Evaluates His Masterclass
Performance at Australian Open 2022 Finals Against Daniil Medvedev

Siyari Debbarma is a senior NBA writer at EssentiallySports. With over 700 articles under her belt, Siyari is an expert in providing in-depth analysis and coverage of the game. Her throwback article on Dennis Rodman's plea for help garnered more than 3.5 million page views, a testament to her skill as a writer and journalist.

Siyari's expertise also extends to game coverage and lifestyle reporting on NBA players and their families. She brings a unique perspective to her articles, providing readers with a behind-the-scenes look at the personal lives of their favorite players. Her passion for basketball began when she started hooping in her senior year of school, and she has been a devoted fan of the game ever since.

Although Siyari admires players irrespective of their teams, the Golden State Warriors hold a special place in her heart. She is a huge fan of iconic names such as Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan, but her personal preferences have never swayed her from delivering detailed and impartial content to her readers.

When she's not covering the latest NBA stories, Siyari indulges in her love of reading, with a particular fondness for books on history and culture. She also spends time with her adorable cats and dogs, who keep her company when she's away from the court.

Caroline Joseph is a Primary Editor for the NBA division at EssentiallySports, who covers the post-retirement lives of basketball legends such as Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and many more. From publishing companies to e-learning agencies and animation studios, she has worked with a plethora of content creation and curation groups over the span of a decade.  

Her fascination with these NBA icons began at the tender age of ten when she was entranced by the classic movie “Space Jam”. Her hobbies include a passion for writing science fiction and singing live on stage. Through her editorial lens, Caroline uses a meticulous approach to fact-checking and mentoring writers to achieve standard journalism practices.

Here's the reason why Shaquille O'Neal and Leonard Armato broke strong ties, despite the blockbuster Lakers trade.

Why Did Shaquille O’Neal and Leonard Armato Severe 10YO Ties Despite Blockbuster Lakers Trade?

Why Did Shaquille O’Neal and Leonard Armato Severe 10YO Ties Despite Blockbuster Lakers Trade? - EssentiallySports

Pritha is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. After reporting on the luxurious lifestyle of celebrities for a year, she used that experience to cover the glamor side of the basketball world. She has expertly covered Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan's complicated love story and the lavish vacations of NBA superstars, among other off-court scoops. One of her articles on NBA icon Magic Johnson’s Italian vacation had very high ratios of fan engagement. Away from work, Pritha is an avid reader and loves to explore the world of art..

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Pritha Debroy

Saumya is the Lead Editor for the NBA Active division at EssentiallySports. With almost a decade of writing experience, Saumya embraced the editorial front with open arms at the ES NewsDesk. She monitors and covers NBA Trade Deadlines closely, supervising live coverage of games, and analyzes the speculations that go beyond the players’ on-court lives. 

She has a keen eye for the nuances that make basketball more than just a sport. Saumya ensures to weave the right words to capture the essence of each slam dunk, every strategic play, and the relentless pursuit of greatness by athletes who defy gravity. Her commitment to bring a fresh perspective &amp; shedding light on the untold narratives is her USP. 

When not at her desk, she’s busy lounging with her dog or whipping up new recipes. Join her in her journey as she explores the captivating world of the NBA.

Shaquille O'Neal's former agent reveals the insane background behind the NBA legend's commentary on Nikola Jokic.

Exclusive: Real Motive Behind Shaquille O'Neal's Attack on Nikola Jokić Revealed by Insider

Exclusive: Real Motive Behind Shaquille O&#8217;Neal&#8217;s Attack on Nikola Jokić Revealed by Insider

Exclusive: Real Motive Behind Shaquille O'Neal's Attack on Nikola Jokić Revealed by Insider - EssentiallySports

Caroline John is a senior NBA writer at EssentiallySports. She holds a Masters degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from a reputed university. With 8 years of experience in content writing and after judiciously covering the life of Shaquille O’Neal, she earned an exclusive interview with the CEO of Shaq’s Big Chicken franchise, Josh Halpern. Initially, it was the philanthropic versions of NBA icons LeBron James and O’Neal that drew her to start following the sport. And today, she has become a trustworthy voice covering the same names. Caroline never goes unnoticed! An article on Shaq, AKA DJ Diesel, and rapper GAWNE even caught the eye of the 4x NBA champion as he shared it on Instagram. When away from ES Desk, Carloline can be found immersed in books.

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Shriya Rajachandra is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. She earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism, Psychology, and Communicative English. Shriya previously interned at The New Indian Express, but her favorite journalist, Marcus Thompson motivated her to start writing about basketball. Her favorite team is the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry is her favorite player. She has a puppy named Dobby who is her emotional support bag during intense games.

According to former agent Leonard Armato, Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley will stay strong even if NBC lands the NBA.

Exclusive: TNT’s Shaq and Charles Barkley Could Head to NBC if Adam Silver Demands, as Per Ex-Agent

Exclusive: TNT’s Shaq and Charles Barkley Could Head to NBC if Adam Silver Demands, as Per Ex-Agent - EssentiallySports

Anuj Talwalkar is a Senior NBA Writer at EssentiallySports, who is marching towards touching 3000 articles. As a writer who specializes in game analysis, post-game pressers, thrilling perspective on players and their performances, he loves merging his passion for writing with the complex human-dramas that unfold everyone on-court. At ES, he is known for his quick coverage of breaking news, an expertise that is now inspiring the junior writers. His love for the sport blossomed a decade back after he started following match highlights. He holds a deep admiration for players like Russell Westbrook and Kobe Bryant, who gave their all in the arena, each time they stepped on court. When Anuj isn't playing some kind of ball outdoors, he likes to read about Sports Management and spend quality time with his family.

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Anuj Talwalkar

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<h2><strong>Australian Open: Latest News, Results and Records</strong></h2>
The Australian Open is the youngest of all the Grand Slams, having first started in 1905.

The tournament holds the record for the highest attendance at a Grand Slam event, where 743,667 people attended during the 2018 edition of the Australian Open. It also has the honor of being the first Grand Slam tournament to feature indoor play during wet weather or extreme heat.

There are three main courts, the Rod Laver Arena, the Melbourne Arena and the Margaret Court Arena. Aside from that, they have courts 7 to 15 and even court 19 and 20. The tournament first became open to all from 1969 onwards, a year after the remaining 3 did so.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-136876 size-full" src="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/ao-4.jpg" alt="" width="3000" height="2000" />
<h2><strong>Records</strong></h2>
<a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/novak-djokovic/">Novak Djokovic</a> is the most successful player of the Australian Open in the Open era. The Serbian star has clinched eight Australian Open titles.

In the women's side of the game, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/serena-williams/">Serena Williams</a> is the most successful player with seven titles to her credit. Again, this was set in the Open era. Overall, Williams is still four behind tennis legend Margaret Court.

The youngest winner in the men's singles game was Australian player Ken Rosewall. Meanwhile, on the women's side, it was Martina Hingis. The players were 18 years, 2 months and 16 years, 4 months old respectively.

With regard to the oldest players, Rosewall bagged this crown at the aged 37 years and 2 months. However, if <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/roger-federer/">Roger Federer</a> wins the Australian Open, he could overtake Rosewall. In the women's side of the game, Thelma Long was the oldest winner at 35 years and 8 months.
<h2>Australian Open 2021 Plans</h2>
The two Grand Slams held after the Australian Open 2020 saw major changes than usual. The <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/us-open-2020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">US Open 2020</a> and <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/french-open-2020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">French Open 2020</a> were held inside a bio-secure bubble on account of the complications arising due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The US Open 2020 was held behind closed doors, while the French Open 2020 saw just 1000 spectators allowed inside the Roland Garros fields.

Australian Open organizers are planning to allow 50 percent of the seats to be filled by fans. This is subject to government clearance. They also <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/that-wont-happen-australian-open-2021-proposes-to-relax-strict-quarantine-measures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plan</a> on introducing relaxations on a lot of the quarantine restrictions the players had in Paris and New York.

While the 14-day quarantine will be there on arrival at Melbourne Park, there is expected to be some freedom for players and their team members.

Australian Open 2021 is expected to be held from January 18-31, 2021.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-99443" src="http://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Australian_Open_logo.svg_.png" alt="" width="1280" height="458" />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Edition</b></td>
<td>108th
Open Era (52nd)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Current Prize Money</b></td>
<td>$4.5 million (men's and women's champion)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Number of Entries (Main Draw)</strong></td>
<td>128</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Current Champions</b></td>
<td><strong>Men's Si</strong><strong style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;">ngles</strong><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;"> - Novak Djokovic</span>

<strong>Women's Singles</strong> - Sofia Kenin

<strong>Men's Doubles</strong> - Rajeev Ram/Joe Salisbury

<strong>Women's Doubles</strong> - Timea Babos/Kristina Mladenovic

<strong>Mixed Doubles</strong> - Barbora Krej??kov?/Nikola Mektic</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Most Titles</b></td>
<td><strong>Men's Singles</strong> - Novak Djokovic (8)

<strong>Women's Singles</strong> - Margaret Court (11)

<strong>Men's Doubles</strong> - Adrian Quist (10)

<strong>Women's Doubles</strong> - Thelma Coyne Long (12)

<strong>Mixed Doubles</strong> - Harry Hopman, Colin Long, Daphne Akhurst Cozens, Nell Hall Hopman, Nancye Wynne Bolton, Thelma Coyne Long (4)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Australian Open: Latest News, Results and Records The Australian Open is the youngest of all the Grand Slams, having first started in 1905. The tournament holds the record for the highest attendance at a Grand Slam event, where 743,667 people attended during the 2018 edition of the Australian Open. It also has the honor of being the first Grand Slam tournament to feature indoor play during wet weather or extreme heat. There are three main courts, the Rod Laver Arena, the Melbourne Arena and the Margaret Court Arena. Aside from that, they have courts 7 to 15 and even court 19 and 20. The tournament first became open to all from 1969 onwards, a year after the remaining 3 did so. Records Novak Djokovic is the most successful player of the Australian Open in the Open era. The Serbian star has clinched eight Australian Open titles. In the women&#8217;s side of the game, Serena Williams is the most successful player with seven titles to her credit. Again, this was set in the Open era. Overall, Williams is still four behind tennis legend Margaret Court. The youngest winner in the men&#8217;s singles game was Australian player Ken Rosewall. Meanwhile, on the women&#8217;s side, it was Martina Hingis. The players were 18 years, 2 months and 16 years, 4 months old respectively. With regard to the oldest players, Rosewall bagged this crown at the aged 37 years and 2 months. However, if Roger Federer wins the Australian Open, he could overtake Rosewall. In the women&#8217;s side of the game, Thelma Long was the oldest winner at 35 years and 8 months. Australian Open 2021 Plans The two Grand Slams held after the Australian Open 2020 saw major changes than usual. The US Open 2020 and French Open 2020 were held inside a bio-secure bubble on account of the complications arising due to the coronavirus pandemic. The US Open 2020 was held behind closed doors, while the French Open 2020 saw just 1000 spectators allowed inside the Roland Garros fields. Australian Open organizers are planning to allow 50 percent of the seats to be filled by fans. This is subject to government clearance. They also plan on introducing relaxations on a lot of the quarantine restrictions the players had in Paris and New York. While the 14-day quarantine will be there on arrival at Melbourne Park, there is expected to be some freedom for players and their team members. Australian Open 2021 is expected to be held from January 18-31, 2021.   Edition 108th Open Era (52nd)  Current Prize Money $4.5 million (men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s champion)  Number of Entries (Main Draw) 128  Current Champions Men&#8217;s Singles &#8211; Novak Djokovic Women&#8217;s Singles &#8211; Sofia Kenin Men&#8217;s Doubles &#8211; Rajeev Ram/Joe Salisbury Women&#8217;s Doubles &#8211; Timea Babos/Kristina Mladenovic Mixed Doubles &#8211; Barbora Krej??kov?/Nikola Mektic  Most Titles Men&#8217;s Singles &#8211; Novak Djokovic (8) Women&#8217;s Singles &#8211; Margaret Court (11) Men&#8217;s Doubles &#8211; Adrian Quist (10) Women&#8217;s Doubles &#8211; Thelma Coyne Long (12) Mixed Doubles &#8211; Harry Hopman, Colin Long, Daphne Akhurst Cozens, Nell Hall Hopman, Nancye Wynne Bolton, Thelma Coyne Long (4)

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Rafael Nadal becomes the first and only man to win 21 Grand Slam Titles. Read more about the victory he calls his 'greatest comeback.'

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“Biggest Comeback of My Career”: Rafael Nadal Evaluates His Masterclass Performance at Australian Open 2022 Finals Against Daniil Medvedev

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Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal 2023: Net Worth, Salary and Endorsements Tennis &#8211; French Open &#8211; Roland Garros, Paris, France &#8211; October 11, 2020 Spain?s Rafael Nadal celebrates with the trophy after winning the French Open final against Serbia?s Novak Djokovic REUTERS/Christian Hartmann Rafael Nadal is undoubtedly one of the best tennis players of all time. The Spaniard, along with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, forms the famed triumvirate of the &#8216;Big Three&#8217; in tennis. Another accolade that Rafa has to his name is the title, &#8220;King of Clay&#8221;. Rafael Nadal&#8217;s family includes his parents Sebastian Nadal and Maria Parera, his sister Maria Isabel and his uncles?Toni Nadal and Miguel Angel Nadal Homar. Rafael Nadal&#8217;s net worth 2023 Rafael Nadal has done quite well for himself and amassed a net worth of $220 million, as per Celebrity Net Worth. He has also won a total of $134,640,719 in the span of his career. South Korea&#8217;s second-largest automobile manufacturer, Kia, has been sponsoring him as its global ambassador since 2006. Apart from Kia, American clothing and footwear company Nike also sponsors Nadal. Spanish biscuits and bakery manufacturer, Quely also made him its international ambassador in 2010. Read more -?3 Years After Snubbing Roger Federer, 32-Year-Old Sporting Legend Sings ?Tenacious? Rafael Nadal?s Praises ? ?Hard to Break..? Nadal sports a luxury watch from Richard Mille as part of an endorsement deal. Rafael Nadal&#8217;s watch is one of the most premium watches out there, with a hefty $725,000 value. His other endorsement partners are Santander, Emporio Armani, Babolat, Heliocare, Telefonica, Banco Sabadell, Tommy Hilfiger, Mapfre, and more. He has a sumptuous car collection and a luxurious home in Mallorca, Spain. Nadal also has expensive villas in Porto Cristo in Spain &amp; the Dominican Republic. He likes to spend his holidays in his villas and luxurious yachts. He has also opened the Rafael Nadal Academy in his hometown in Spain, Kuwait, and Mexico. His logo is one of the most renowned logos in the world, with the stylized version of a bull. Rafael Nadal?s early life and family Rafael Nadal Parera was born on June 3, 1986, to parents Ana Maria Parera Femenias and Sebasti?n Nadal Homar in Manacor, Mallorca, Spain. His father is a successful businessman who owns the restaurant Sa Punta, the glass and window company, Vidres Mallorca, and three insurance companies. Mar?a Parera was a trader who was in the business of selling perfumes. However, she left her job and became a homemaker soon after Nadal was born. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has a younger sister, Mar?a Isabel. Tennis &#8211; French Open &#8211; Roland Garros, Paris, France &#8211; May 29, 2022 Spain&#8217;s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his fourth round match against Canada&#8217;s Felix Auger-Aliassime REUTERS/Yves Herman When Nadal was three years old, his uncle and tennis coach, Toni Nadal, introduced him to the sport and worked with him from 2005 to 2017. Toni saw in his nephew a natural talent and believed that Rafa should put effort into the racket sport. At the age of 8, Nadal was playing both soccer and tennis. In the racket sport, he transitioned to a left-handed forehand when encouraged by his uncle, despite being right hand dominant. Toni Nadal also intensified his nephews training at this age. At 12, he was still playing tennis and soccer. In tennis, he won the European and Spanish championships. However, his schoolwork saw a significant drop due to both sports, so his father made him choose one sport. Rafa defiantly chose tennis and has pursued it ever since. Rafael Nadal&#8217;s wife and children Rafael Nadal married his long-time girlfriend, Maria Francisca &#8220;Xisca&#8221; Perello, on October 19, 2019. The two have been in a relationship since 2005 and Xisca is an insurance worker and is also the current director of the Rafael Nadal foundation. One can only rarely find Xisca in Rafael Nadal&#8217;s box during his matches. She is a private person and doesn&#8217;t like the world to get to know much about her. Xisca feels that her presence would disrupt the Spaniard&#8217;s focus. Rafael Nadal met his wife, Mery &#8220;Xisxa&#8221; Perell? in 2005. While there is no confirmed news, some reports suggest that they met through family friends. However, details about their life together are seldom found online as they prefer to keep a low profile.? PARIS, FRANCE October 11. Rafael Nadal of Spain receives a congratulatory kiss from his wife Xisca Perello after his victory against Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the Men&#8217;s Singles Final on Court Philippe-Chatrier during the French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on October 11th 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) Nadal and Perell? announced they were going to have a child together in June 2022. When he eventually graced the world, the couple decided to name him Rafael Nadal Jr.? Rafael Nadal Academy Considered one of the leading sports centers in the world for tennis, the Rafa Nadal Academy was launched in the year 2016 in Manacor, Spain. The academy was built with an intention to provide high-class facilities to aspiring tennis enthusiasts who want to make it big on the big stage. The inaugural event for the academy was attended by Nadal&#8217;s good friend Roger Federer and other tennis stars. Three years after its initial setup, the academy got permission for expansion. Cities like Mexico and Greece now have the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre. Rafael Nadal&#8217;s records The tennis icon from Spain dismantled the likes of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in several Grand Slam finals over the past couple of decades. By winning the 2020 French Open title, Nadal equaled Roger Federer&#8217;s record of the most Grand Slam titles at 20. Tennis &#8211; French Open &#8211; Roland Garros, Paris, France &#8211; June 5, 2022 Spain&#8217;s Rafael Nadal during the warm up before the men&#8217;s singles final against Norway&#8217;s Casper Ruud REUTERS/Yves Herman A year later, in 2021, Novak Djokovic also joined Federer and Nadal when he won his 20th major title at Wimbledon by defeating Matteo Berrettini in the final. The 2022 season saw Nadal emerging triumphant in the tally of major titles as he won the Australian Open and the French Open, bringing his total up to 22. Djokovic tied his record this year after winning the Australian Open. So far, the Spaniard has won 14 French Opens, two Australian Open, two Wimbledon Championships, and four US Open titles. Read more -??I Could Beat Rafa?- Majestic Wins Fuel Carlos Alcaraz to Issue a Strong Statement About His ?Idol? Ahead of the 2023 French Open The King of Clay has also clinched a gold medal at the Summer Olympics. In 2008, Nadal defeated Fernando Gonz?lez with a score of 6?3, 7?6(2), 6?3 in the final to win his only medal at the Olympics. Along with his impressive wins, Nadal has set many records which will likely be untouched for a few more decades. He is the only player to have won 112 matches in one Grand Slam. He has only lost to two players in the Roland Garros, Robin S?derling and Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard is the only player to have maintained a stance in the top 10 for 912 weeks. Rafael Nadal&#8217;s French Open dominance Having familiarized himself with red-dirt during his initial days, Nadal mastered the surface and even developed his game initially to suit the clay. The Spaniard likes to stay in the point by pushing the opponent from corner to corner and there is no better surface than clay to do that. Rafael Nadal of Spain hugs the Musketeers&#8217; Cup as he celebrates victory following the mens singles final against Dominic Thiem of Austria during day fifteen of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on June 10, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Coming to Nadal&#8217;s French Open record, he has amassed a total of 14 titles in Paris, the highest by any player on tour. The Spaniard&#8217;s first French Open crown came in 2005, where he surprised top-seed Federer in the semis. By winning the title, Nadal became the second male player after Mats Wilander to win the French Open in the first attempt. Rafael Nadal hair transplant Nadal is universally loved by fans for his intense competitiveness on-court and fighting till the very end without giving up. But, if there&#8217;s a thing that the Spaniard might have given up on, it&#8217;s his hair. Since his 20s, Nadal suffered from Male Pattern Baldness &#8211; a condition that is often seen in men. Nadal underwent a hair transplant procedure. It was Follicular Unit Extraction procedure and included a 4,500 graft hair transplant. While Nadal had thin hair post the procedure, the hair loss seemed to have reduced drastically, which meant that the transplant was a success. Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic: Head-t0-Head after 2021 One of the most intense rivalries on the ATP tour, Nadal and Djokovic, always ensure to put up their best foot forward while playing against each other, irrespective of the venue. The duo met a couple of times in 2021, with Nadal winning their match-up in Rome Finals while Djokovic winning the most important French Open semi-final contest and later went on to win the title. Tennis &#8211; French Open &#8211; Roland Garros, Paris, France &#8211; June 11, 2021 Serbia&#8217;s Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Spain&#8217;s Rafael Nadal after winning their semi final match REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier Nadal exacted revenge in the 2022 version, as he ousted his archrival in the quarterfinals of the French Open. It paved the way for the &#8216;King of Clay&#8217; to clinch his record 14th Roland Garros title. Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer: Head-to-Head After 2021 The most loved match-up for any tennis fans is the Federer-Nadal contest. While their encounters have been one-sided more often than not, the energy they bring to a tennis court is what pulled many fans to follow the sport. However, the two haven&#8217;t played each other too many times since 2017. Their last encounter came in the semi-finals at 2019 Wimbledon Championships, where Federer overpowered Nadal in a four-set contest. Federer ended his career in the most endearing way possible as he chose to team up with his long-time rival and close friend, Rafael Nadal. The duo faced the Americans Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at the Laver Cup. Although they lost the match, it became a moment entrenched in the hearts of tennis fans all around the world. Rafael Nadal stats Rafa has been a shining star ever since he turned professional. He played his first ATP match on April 29, 2002. At the age of 15 years and 330 days, Nadal became one of the youngest players to win their debut ATP match. He faced Ram?n Delgado and triumphed in straight sets of 6-4, 6-4. Ever since then, he has become one of the best in the sport. Tennis &#8211; French Open &#8211; Roland Garros, Paris, France &#8211; June 5, 2022 Spain&#8217;s Rafael Nadal bites the trophy to celebrate after winning the men&#8217;s singles final against Norway&#8217;s Casper Ruud REUTERS/Benoit Tessier TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY He would go on to not only face his major rival Roger Federer in their first match up, but also win against the Swiss Maestro. They met in the 2004 Miami Masters and set the tone for their rivalry, as he ended up with the upper hand in their head-to-head. Nadal has won 24 out of their 40 matches. He met his other major rival, Novak Djokovic, in 2006 at Roland Garros and won their first match as well. He has won 29 of their 59 matches. Read more -??It?s Humiliating to Get Injuries??? ? Former Serena Williams? Coach Joins Andy Roddick to Stand Firmly Behind 36-Year-Old Rafael Nadal Following a?Messy?Headline At the French Open 2022, Nadal clinched the 22nd Grand Slam singles title of his career. In November 2020, Nadal became the only player to stay in the top 10 of the ATP rankings for 790 consecutive weeks. He broke Jimmy Connors&#8217; record in the process. Rafael Nadal also won a record 14th French Open title in Paris in 2022. Nadal has claimed 36 Masters 1000 titles, with Novak Djokovic leading that record with 38 titles. The Spaniard has made an appearance in 30 Grand Slam finals, second only to Federer and Djokovic&#8217;s record of 31 finals. The 2008 Wimbledon final between?Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer?is widely regarded as one of the most iconic tennis matches in the history of the sport. Rafael Nadal injuries and retirement Although Rafa is a force to be reckoned with, his career has been riddled with injuries ever since he first turned pro. His first injury in 2003 made him miss his first Roland Garros, his only recorded French Open absence. Some of his most serious injuries came in 2012 and 2021, which forced him to miss several Masters and even Grand Slam events. Moreover, when Nadal lost for the first time in the French Open in 2009, ending a four-year streak, a knee injury played a crucial role in it. Tennis &#8211; French Open &#8211; Roland Garros, Paris, France &#8211; June 5, 2022 Spain&#8217;s Rafael Nadal during the men&#8217;s singles final against Norway&#8217;s Casper Ruud REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes In 2012, he suffered a tear in a tendon in his left knee, which forced him off the tour for seven months and also became a reason for him to miss the US Open and the Australian Open of the following year. In 2021, Nadal started the season with severe back pain and then experienced more injuries in the following months. He missed Wimbledon and the US Open and even many Master&#8217;s 1000 tournaments. However, he still managed to win the Italian Open. This year, Nadal, unfortunately, crashed out of the Australian Open in the second round. The bad news increased when Rafa was unable to return to the Tour. He missed the entire clay season, and is set to miss the rest of the 2023 season. Since he has undergone injuries almost every year in his active years, Nadal&#8217;s advancing age has turned made it difficult for him to recover from his latest injury. In a recent press conference, the Spaniard shocked the tennis realm by announcing that the 2024 season will probably be his last on the ATP Tour.? Rafael Nadal Foundation and charity? Considered one of the leading sports centers in the world for tennis, the Rafa Nadal Academy was?launched in the year 2016 in Manacor, Spain. The academy was built with the intention of providing high-class facilities to aspiring tennis players who want to make it on the big stage. The inaugural event for the academy was attended by Nadal&#8217;s good friend and former rival Roger Federer, and other tennis stars. Nadal&#8217;s academy even pays an ode to the Fedal rivalry. Three years after its initial setup, the academy got permission for expansion. Cities like Mexico and Greece now have the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre. Projects undertaken by the foundation include the Rafa Nadal Foundation Center in Spain. The Spaniard has even gone global with the Anantapur Education Center in India. He has also launched various scholarships to aid socially disadvantaged youth. How to contact Rafael Nadal? Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Website  Name Rafael Nadal  Born 3 June 1986?  Place of Birth Manacor, Mallorca, Spain  Nationality Spanish  Education Spain  Parents Ana Mar?a Parera Femen?as; Sebasti?n Nadal Homar  Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)  Weight 85 kg?  Wife Maria Francisca Perello?  Kids Rafael Nadal Jr.  Social Media Instagram; Twitter; Facebook; Website  &nbsp;