LONDON (Reuters) – Sweden’s Robin Soderling, the player best-known for being the first man to beat Rafael Nadal at the French Open, has retired from professional tennis because of a long-running illness. The 31-year-old, twice a runner-up at Roland Garros, has not played an ATP World Tour event since 2011 due to mononucleosis, an energy-sapping viral illness. “Thank you so much for all your kind words. So sad I won’t play professional tennis again, but reading all your msgs makes me feel a lot better,” Soderling said on his Twitter account. Soderling spent 10 years on the Tour and rose to world number four. In 2009 he ended Nadal’s domination in Paris with a stunning victory, only to lose to Roger Federer in the final — Federer’s only title at the claycourt grand slam. (Reporting by Martyn Herman; editing by Sudipto Ganguly) 

Sweden's Robin Soderling has chosen to retire from tennis due to long-running
illness problems.

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Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. When he's not writing about Stock Car Racing, he can be found reading and writing fan fiction.

Dhruv George

Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch.

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Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. He not only writes engaging content but helps connect readers with some of the biggest racing names thanks to his ability to churn out exclusive interviews. Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. When he's not writing about Stock Car Racing, he can be found reading and writing fan fiction.

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Dhruv George is a senior Formula One and NASCAR analyst for EssentiallySports,
having authored nearly 12000 articles spanning different sports like F1, NASCAR,
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Xavier Institute of Communications. Dhruv has also conducted interviews with F1
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Robin Soderling backs Federer to win his 20th Grand Slam

Robin Soderling smiles during a news conference at the Royal Tennis Hall in Stockholm - EssentiallySports

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<h2><strong>French Open: Latest News, Results and Records</strong></h2>
The second Grand Slam tournament in the sport of tennis, the French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, takes place during the last week of May and the first week of June at Stade Roland-Garros, Paris. <span data-preserver-spaces="true">It was founded in 1891 and has been played consistently except during the times of World War I and World War II. The tournament is played on clay and consists of the regular seven rounds as each major. French Open 2022 was the 126th edition of the tournament and was played on the renovated Court Philippe Chatrier.</span>

[caption id="attachment_391966" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-391966" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200927154520/2020-09-27T090852Z_929230329_UP1EG9R0PESR9_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-FRENCHOPEN.jpg" alt="David Goffin and Jannik Sinner in action at French Open 2020" width="1920" height="1221" /> General view inside the arena ahead of the first round match between Belgium's David Goffin and Italy's Jannik Sinner. REUTERS/Charles Platiau[/caption]
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The surface is slow, and it is the only Grand Slam where the final set is retained to be an advantage set i.e., played without a tiebreaker. It is the most prominent court clay tournament of tennis, and the game on his surface is regarded as the most physically exhaustive forms of tennis. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The men?s trophy, Coupe des Mousquetaires, refers to 'The Four Musketeers' of French tennis, Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon, Henri Cochet, and Ren? Lacoste. And the women?s trophy, Coupe Suzanne Lenglen is named after the French tennis player, Suzanne Rachel Flore Lenglen.</span></p>

<h2><b>French Open points distribution</b></h2>
<span data-preserver-spaces="true">The French Open, also known as Roland Garros, is one of the events that offers significant prize money to the players. Apart from the lucrative prize money, the points awarded to the players who make it to latter stages also become a highly attractive prospect for both veterans and up-and-coming players.</span>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true"> <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-968974" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/French-Open-4.jpg" alt="" width="1300" height="731" /></span>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">The winner of the WTA and ATP versions is awarded 2000 points. The ATP runner-up is awarded 1200, and the WTA runner-up is given 1300. The points are reduced for each player who is eliminated in rounds prior to the final. Semifinalists in ATP get 720, and WTA get 780.??</span>

<strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Read more -?</span></strong><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/atp-tennis-news-novak-djokovics-veteran-ex-coach-has-little-hopes-about-his-french-open-chances-as-rafael-nadal-threat-looms-large/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Novak Djokovic?s Veteran Ex-coach Has Little Hopes About His French Open Chances as Rafael Nadal Threat Looms Large</a>
<h2><b>French Open prize money</b></h2>
Since it is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport, the Roland Garros offers some of the highest prize money to its winners. The prize pool last year was $36.9 million, according to ESPN. But this year saw a prominent increment of 12.3% which finalized it at $54.6 million,. As per the officials, the prize pool was increased to ensure equal distribution.

[caption id="attachment_1072496" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1072496" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-06-04T144258Z_1857180549_UP1EI6414VKFU_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-FRENCHOPEN.jpg" alt="Iga Swaitek" width="1920" height="1361" /> Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 4, 2022 Poland's Iga Swiatek kisses the trophy after winning the women's singles final match against Cori Gauff of the U.S. REUTERS/Yves Herman[/caption]

The champion of the ATP and the WTA singles division will take home a whopping $2.51 million. Runner-ups will take home $1.53 million each, almost twice that of last year. This is officially the highest prize money the French Open has ever seen.
<h2><b>2022 French Open champions</b></h2>
The 2022 French Open finals became one of the most iconic events of the year. The ATP finals saw <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/rafael-nadal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rafael Nadal</a> facing Casper Ruud and emerging triumphant in three sets. Viewers were amazed as the Spaniard won the match with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-0. This dominant win helped Nadal lift his 14th French Open title, breaking his own record and creating history once again.

[caption id="attachment_1073950" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1073950" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-06-05T155906Z_1843908536_UP1EI6518EGTC_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-FRENCHOPEN.jpg" alt="Rafael Nadal" width="1920" height="1364" /> Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 5, 2022 Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates with trophy after winning the men's singles final against Norway's Casper Ruud REUTERS/Benoit Tessier[/caption]

<a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wta-tennis-news-shell-be-a-real-threat-again-nineteen-year-old-coco-gauff-touted-to-be-a-real-force-of-nature-amid-iga-swiatek-threat-ahead-of-french-open/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Before the women's final, Gauff was touted to be a future champion</a>. But Iga Swiatek had other ideas as she cantered to a victory in the final against the American teenage sensation. Their match ended with a score of 6-1, 6-3 and helped her maintain her place at the top of the WTA rankings. However, Gauff benefitted from the final, too, as it added enough points for her to jump to number 4 by October 2022.
<h2><b>Most titles won by a player at the Roland Garros</b></h2>
<span data-preserver-spaces="true">Rafael Nadal holds the record number of titles at the French Open, including the time before the Open Era. Out of the 18 French Opens he has played, the Spaniard has won it 14 times. Along with the astounding trophy haul, Nadal also holds a record of an incredible 112 wins in Roland Garros, becoming the only player to have such an overwhelming win record in one Major.?</span>

[caption id="attachment_1073818" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1073818" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-06-05T153637Z_698537321_UP1EI6517CZR4_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-FRENCHOPEN.jpg" alt="Rafael Nadal" width="1920" height="1383" /> Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 5, 2022 Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates winning the men's singles final against Norway's Casper Ruud REUTERS/Yves Herman[/caption]

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">Although Nadal has a tendency to prevail on clay, his opponents do not go down without a fight. Some of his most memorable matches on clay have come against Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and John Isner. Against Djokovic, Rafa looked at his best in 2014 and 2013. Their 2014 bout went up to five sets, and the final set saw one of his most intense performances, which saw 16 games being played. The 2013 match was the final and had Djoker as the favorite in the first set. But Nadal found his rhythm in the second set and won the tournament.</span>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">Nadal won against Federer in 2006 in four sets of 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6. Federer's astounding win in the first set, along with his fiery demeanor in the fourth set, made people believe that Nadal's streak would end. However, the Spaniard gave a glimpse of his prowess in the red dirt of Paris.</span>

<strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Watch this story - </span></strong><a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/stories/atp-wta-tennis-news-serena-williams-ex-coach-patrick-mouratoglou-launches-fresh-controversy-as-he-irks-rafael-nadal-fans-with-a-biased-novak-djokovic-statement">Serena Williams Ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou Launches Fresh Controversy as He Irks Rafael Nadal Fans With a Biased Novak Djokovic Statement</a>

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">All of his records at the clay major rightfully earned him the nickname 'The King of Clay'. But news of him competing in the tournament this year remains doubtful. So far, he has missed the entire clay season due to an injury. This would be a first as Nadal has never missed any French Opens in his career. <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/atp-tennis-news-amid-rising-doubts-over-his-return-thirty-six-year-old-rafael-nadals-badly-affected-ranking-takes-the-spotlight-as-french-open-receives-open-advice-from-american-doubles-legend/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">His participation in the 2023 French Open is doubtful,</a> and it looks like his appearance record might finally come to an end this year.?</span>
<h2><b>French Open Winners List (ATP) over the past 18 years</b></h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/rafael-nadal/"><b>Rafael Nadal</b></a></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/roger-federer"><b>Roger Federer</b></a></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2009</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/stan-wawrinka/"><b>Stan Wawrinka</b></a></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2015</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/novak-djokovic/"><b>Novak Djokovic</b></a></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2016, 2021</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2><b>French Open Winners List (WTA) Over The Past 18 Years</b></h2>
<table style="height: 782px" width="607">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Justine Henin-Hardenne</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2005, 2006, 2007? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ??</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Ana Ivanovic</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2008</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Svetlana Kuznetsova</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2009</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Francesca Schiavone</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2010</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Li Na</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2011</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/maria-sharapova/"><b>Maria Sharapova</b></a></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2012, 2014</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/serena-williams/"><b>Serena Williams</b></a></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2013, 2015</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/garbine-muguruza/"><b>Garbine Muguruza</b></a></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2016</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Je?ena Ostapenko</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2017</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/simona-halep/"><b>Simona Halep</b></a></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2018</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/ashleigh-barty/"><b>Ashleigh Barty</b></a></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2019</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/iga-swiatek/"><b>Iga Swiatek</b></a></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2020, 2022</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Barbora Krej??kov?</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">2021</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

French Open

French Open: Latest News, Results and Records The second Grand Slam tournament in the sport of tennis, the French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, takes place during the last week of May and the first week of June at Stade Roland-Garros, Paris. It was founded in 1891 and has been played consistently except during the times of World War I and World War II. The tournament is played on clay and consists of the regular seven rounds as each major. French Open 2022 was the 126th edition of the tournament and was played on the renovated Court Philippe Chatrier. General view inside the arena ahead of the first round match between Belgium&#8217;s David Goffin and Italy&#8217;s Jannik Sinner. REUTERS/Charles Platiau The surface is slow, and it is the only Grand Slam where the final set is retained to be an advantage set i.e., played without a tiebreaker. It is the most prominent court clay tournament of tennis, and the game on his surface is regarded as the most physically exhaustive forms of tennis. The men?s trophy, Coupe des Mousquetaires, refers to &#8216;The Four Musketeers&#8217; of French tennis, Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon, Henri Cochet, and Ren? Lacoste. And the women?s trophy, Coupe Suzanne Lenglen is named after the French tennis player, Suzanne Rachel Flore Lenglen. French Open points distribution The French Open, also known as Roland Garros, is one of the events that offers significant prize money to the players. Apart from the lucrative prize money, the points awarded to the players who make it to latter stages also become a highly attractive prospect for both veterans and up-and-coming players.  The winner of the WTA and ATP versions is awarded 2000 points. The ATP runner-up is awarded 1200, and the WTA runner-up is given 1300. The points are reduced for each player who is eliminated in rounds prior to the final. Semifinalists in ATP get 720, and WTA get 780.?? Read more -?Novak Djokovic?s Veteran Ex-coach Has Little Hopes About His French Open Chances as Rafael Nadal Threat Looms Large French Open prize money Since it is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport, the Roland Garros offers some of the highest prize money to its winners. The prize pool last year was $36.9 million, according to ESPN. But this year saw a prominent increment of 12.3% which finalized it at $54.6 million,. As per the officials, the prize pool was increased to ensure equal distribution. Tennis &#8211; French Open &#8211; Roland Garros, Paris, France &#8211; June 4, 2022 Poland&#8217;s Iga Swiatek kisses the trophy after winning the women&#8217;s singles final match against Cori Gauff of the U.S. REUTERS/Yves Herman The champion of the ATP and the WTA singles division will take home a whopping $2.51 million. Runner-ups will take home $1.53 million each, almost twice that of last year. This is officially the highest prize money the French Open has ever seen. 2022 French Open champions The 2022 French Open finals became one of the most iconic events of the year. The ATP finals saw Rafael Nadal facing Casper Ruud and emerging triumphant in three sets. Viewers were amazed as the Spaniard won the match with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-0. This dominant win helped Nadal lift his 14th French Open title, breaking his own record and creating history once again. Tennis &#8211; French Open &#8211; Roland Garros, Paris, France &#8211; June 5, 2022 Spain&#8217;s Rafael Nadal celebrates with trophy after winning the men&#8217;s singles final against Norway&#8217;s Casper Ruud REUTERS/Benoit Tessier Before the women&#8217;s final, Gauff was touted to be a future champion. But Iga Swiatek had other ideas as she cantered to a victory in the final against the American teenage sensation. Their match ended with a score of 6-1, 6-3 and helped her maintain her place at the top of the WTA rankings. However, Gauff benefitted from the final, too, as it added enough points for her to jump to number 4 by October 2022. Most titles won by a player at the Roland Garros Rafael Nadal holds the record number of titles at the French Open, including the time before the Open Era. Out of the 18 French Opens he has played, the Spaniard has won it 14 times. Along with the astounding trophy haul, Nadal also holds a record of an incredible 112 wins in Roland Garros, becoming the only player to have such an overwhelming win record in one Major.? Tennis &#8211; French Open &#8211; Roland Garros, Paris, France &#8211; June 5, 2022 Spain&#8217;s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning the men&#8217;s singles final against Norway&#8217;s Casper Ruud REUTERS/Yves Herman Although Nadal has a tendency to prevail on clay, his opponents do not go down without a fight. Some of his most memorable matches on clay have come against Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and John Isner. Against Djokovic, Rafa looked at his best in 2014 and 2013. Their 2014 bout went up to five sets, and the final set saw one of his most intense performances, which saw 16 games being played. The 2013 match was the final and had Djoker as the favorite in the first set. But Nadal found his rhythm in the second set and won the tournament. Nadal won against Federer in 2006 in four sets of 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6. Federer&#8217;s astounding win in the first set, along with his fiery demeanor in the fourth set, made people believe that Nadal&#8217;s streak would end. However, the Spaniard gave a glimpse of his prowess in the red dirt of Paris. Watch this story &#8211; Serena Williams Ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou Launches Fresh Controversy as He Irks Rafael Nadal Fans With a Biased Novak Djokovic Statement All of his records at the clay major rightfully earned him the nickname &#8216;The King of Clay&#8217;. But news of him competing in the tournament this year remains doubtful. So far, he has missed the entire clay season due to an injury. This would be a first as Nadal has never missed any French Opens in his career. His participation in the 2023 French Open is doubtful, and it looks like his appearance record might finally come to an end this year.? French Open Winners List (ATP) over the past 18 years  Rafael Nadal 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022  Roger Federer 2009  Stan Wawrinka 2015  Novak Djokovic 2016, 2021  &nbsp; French Open Winners List (WTA) Over The Past 18 Years  Justine Henin-Hardenne 2005, 2006, 2007? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ??  Ana Ivanovic 2008  Svetlana Kuznetsova 2009  Francesca Schiavone 2010  Li Na 2011  Maria Sharapova 2012, 2014  Serena Williams 2013, 2015  Garbine Muguruza 2016  Je?ena Ostapenko 2017  Simona Halep 2018  Ashleigh Barty 2019  Iga Swiatek 2020, 2022  Barbora Krej??kov? 2021

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Sweden's Robin Soderling has chosen to retire from tennis due to long-running illness problems.

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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;

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<strong>History</strong>

The sport of tennis is said to originate from the 12th century in France. However, at that time, players were using their palms to hit the ball. From the 16th century onwards, rackets began to be put in use.

But it was only from the 19th century onwards that it became a serious game. A typical tennis match consists of games. Players score 15 points to 30 points to 40 points and finally a game. In the event of 40-40, also known as a deuce, a player has to gain an advantage and win the next point to win the game.

The first to reach 6 games with a minimum gap of 2 games wins a set. However, if one player wins 6 games and the other wins 5, the leading player has to win a 7th game before his opponent. In the event of six games all, on certain occasions, a tiebreak is played until a player either reaches 6 games or wins by 2 games if both reach 6 games.

Coming to sets, there are 2 types of matches, 3-set matches and 5-set matches. In the event of the former, if a player earns 2 set wins, he or she wins the match. In the latter's case, it is a case of a player winning at least 3 sets.

<img class="size-full wp-image-108658 aligncenter" src="http://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/tennis-court-us-open.gif" alt="Psychology of Tennis" width="600" height="353" />

There are various tennis tournaments held throughout the year. But the ultimate tournaments are known as Grand Slams. There are four main Grand Slams held every year. In chronological order, they are the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. Out of the four, Wimbledon is the oldest, first being held in 1877. The Australian Open is the youngest, first being held in 1905.

With regard to players, Margaret Court holds the record for the most Grand Slam wins for women. In the men's section, it is Roger Federer.
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="319"><strong>Maximum Number of Players on Court</strong></td>
<td width="319">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319"><strong>Number of Grand Slams per Year</strong></td>
<td width="319">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319"><strong>Maximum Number of Grand Slams Won by a Male</strong></td>
<td width="319">20 (Roger Federer)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319"><strong>Maximum Number of Grand Slams Won by a Female?</strong></td>
<td width="319">24 (Margaret Court)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

History The sport of tennis is said to originate from the 12th century in France. However, at that time, players were using their palms to hit the ball. From the 16th century onwards, rackets began to be put in use. But it was only from the 19th century onwards that it became a serious game. A typical tennis match consists of games. Players score 15 points to 30 points to 40 points and finally a game. In the event of 40-40, also known as a deuce, a player has to gain an advantage and win the next point to win the game. The first to reach 6 games with a minimum gap of 2 games wins a set. However, if one player wins 6 games and the other wins 5, the leading player has to win a 7th game before his opponent. In the event of six games all, on certain occasions, a tiebreak is played until a player either reaches 6 games or wins by 2 games if both reach 6 games. Coming to sets, there are 2 types of matches, 3-set matches and 5-set matches. In the event of the former, if a player earns 2 set wins, he or she wins the match. In the latter&#8217;s case, it is a case of a player winning at least 3 sets. There are various tennis tournaments held throughout the year. But the ultimate tournaments are known as Grand Slams. There are four main Grand Slams held every year. In chronological order, they are the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. Out of the four, Wimbledon is the oldest, first being held in 1877. The Australian Open is the youngest, first being held in 1905. With regard to players, Margaret Court holds the record for the most Grand Slam wins for women. In the men&#8217;s section, it is Roger Federer.  Maximum Number of Players on Court 2  Number of Grand Slams per Year 4  Maximum Number of Grand Slams Won by a Male 20 (Roger Federer)  Maximum Number of Grand Slams Won by a Female? 24 (Margaret Court)