Rafael Nadal is one of the best players of this generation. Even though Nadal suffered an early exit in the Italian Open due to an injury. Within a fortnight, he made a comeback in the French Open. Many argued that the Spaniard would give a subpar performance as he came back from a pestering injury.

However, Nadal, defying all the odds, claimed his 22nd Grand Slam title. He defeated the 23-year-old Casper Ruud in the finals to clinch his 14th French Open title. Thus surprising everyone with his endurance and skills. Further, many current and veteran players were enchanted by his performance. So much so that some demanded renaming the arena in which he resigned this year.

The Rafael Nadal effect

Ivan Ljubicic, the former Croatian player and French Open semifinalist, spoke about how Nadal’s records in the red dirt of France deserve more recognition. Roger Federer’s coach wrote, “Not many PLAYED 14 Roland Garros tournaments. He won it 14 times. There is no word to describe this feat. Don’t think good old Phillippe would mind if his court changes the name to Rafael Nadal – statue is not enough.”

Further players, such as Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz, Caroline Wozniacki and Stan Wawrinka, congratulated the 35-year-old for making a record that will take a decade to break.

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In addition, Nadal up till now has participated 18 times in the French Open, out of which 14 are marked under his name. Also, his first Grand Slam victory came from the clay courts of 2005 French Open.

Nadal this year

Nadal made a comeback in Australia after keeping out of the circuit because of his foot injury. Though his absence didn’t affect his form as The Spanish legend thrashed every opponent of his to claim the title at 2022 Australian Open. Thereafter, he stepped in the hard courts of Mexican Open and extended his winning streak to 15.

Then, the world no.5 took part in the summer double where he suffered a rib injury while playing against the 19-year-old fellow Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals of Indian wells.

However, Nadal played through the pain to secure his seat in the finals. But he got overpowered by the Taylor Fritz in the last round. Thus, the match marked an end to his hopes of winning the Indian Wells trophy and his winning streak of 21 matches.

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Following that, the 22-time Grand Slam champion took some time off the sport to tend to his injury and made a comeback in clay court season.