Career Timeline of Rafael Nadal: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Rafael Nadal built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Rafael Nadal is a retired Spanish professional tennis player, widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. He held the world No. 1 ranking for 209 weeks and finished five years as the top-ranked player. Nadal has won 92 ATP Tour-level singles titles, including a record-breaking 22 major titles, 36 Masters titles, and an Olympic gold medal. He is among the few to achieve a career Golden Slam in singles. His dominance on clay is highlighted by an Open Era record of 81 consecutive wins on the surface.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1982: Mats Wilander French Open

In 1982, Mats Wilander French Open.

1983: Broke Mats Wilander's record

In 1983, Nadal broke Mats Wilander's previous teenage season record of nine titles and Nadal was awarded ATP Most Improved Player of the Year award.

1984: Youngest Man to Reach Third Round Since Becker

In 2003, at Wimbledon, Nadal defeated Mario Ančić and reached the third round to became the youngest man to do so since Boris Becker in 1984.

1990: First Male Teenager to Win a Major Singles Title since Sampras

In 2005, Nadal also became the first male teenager to win a major singles title since Pete Sampras won the 1990 US Open at age 19.

1990: Second-Most Big Titles Since 1990

Since 1990, Nadal won the second-most "Big" titles (59) in tennis history.

1994: Finished year ranked No. 2

In 1994, Andre Agassi finished the year ranked No. 2 in consecutive years.

1995: Thomas Muster's French Open Champion

In 1995, Thomas Muster won the French Open.

1997: Winner Jamie Murray

In 1997, Nadal beat Jamie Murray in the final.

1997: Spanish Junior Championship

In 1997, Rafael Nadal won the Spanish junior championships, showcasing his early talent in tennis.

February 1998: Won Open Super 12

In February 1998, Nadal won the Open Super 12, an unofficial world championship for U12 players in Auray, marking his first competition outside Spain.

1998: Spanish Junior Championship

In 1998, Rafael Nadal won the Spanish junior championships, demonstrating his continued success in junior tennis.

1999: U14 circuit of the ETA Junior Tour

In 1999, the 12-year-old Nadal was playing in the U14 circuit of the ETA Junior Tour (now the Tennis Europe Junior Tour), winning the Tim Essonne, and finishing the year at No. 69.

2000: Dominated U14 circuit

In 2000, Nadal dominated the U14 circuit, winning Les Petits As in Tarbes and the European Junior Masters in Prato. He also won the Sport Goofy Trophy in Getxo and the U14 Spanish championships.

May 2001: Defeated Pat Cash in exhibition

In May 2001, Nadal, aged 14, defeated former Grand Slam champion Pat Cash in a clay-court exhibition match.

September 2001: Pro Debut in Madrid

On 11 September 2001, Nadal made his professional debut in the main draw at the Futures in Madrid, where he faced Guillermo Platel-Varas.

2001: Turned Professional

At the beginning of 2001, Nadal turned professional at the age of 14, starting his journey in the world of professional tennis.

2002: First ATP Match Win

In 2002, Nadal won his first ATP match by defeating Ramón Delgado at the ATP 250 event in Mallorca, becoming one of the youngest players to achieve this feat.

2003: First Top 10 Career Win

In 2003, Nadal beat Albert Costa, then ranked No. 7, marking his first top 10 career win, and entering the world's top 100.

2004: Davis Cup Victory

In 2004, Nadal helped Spain win the Davis Cup by defeating Andy Roddick, becoming the youngest player to register a singles victory in a Davis Cup final for a winning nation.

April 2005: Nadal Enters Top 10 ATP Rankings

In April 2005, Nadal entered the Top 10 of the ATP rankings, beginning a record-breaking streak of consecutive weeks in the Top 10.

July 2005: Top Two Ranking

In July 2005, Nadal held the top two rankings on the ATP Tour from July 2005 to 14 August 2009.

July 2005: Ranked No. 2 in the World

On 25 July 2005, Nadal achieved a ranking of No. 2 in the world, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2005: Nadal Leaves Balearic School

After 2005, Nadal left the structure of the Balearic School and created his own team.

2005: Start of Success

From 2005 Nadal and Toni Nadal won 16 major titles together.

2005: Major Titles Streak Begins

From 2005, Nadal won major singles titles in 10 consecutive years, showcasing his sustained excellence.

2005: Carlos Costa becomes agent

In 2005, Carlos Costa became Nadal's agent.

2005: Francisco Roig becomes alternate coach

In 2005, Francisco Roig was hired by Nadal and acted as the alternate coach.

2005: Doubles title at Qatar Open

In 2005, Nadal began the year by winning a doubles title alongside Albert Costa at the Qatar Open, defeating Andrei Pavel and Mikhail Youzhny in the final.

2005: Dominated Spring Clay-Court Season

In 2005, Nadal dominated the spring clay-court season, winning 24 consecutive singles matches and several titles, including the Torneo Conde de Godó and the Italian Open, and also won the French Open.

2005: Dropped out of the ATP Top 4

In 2005, Nadal dropped out of the ATP Top 4 for the first time since 2005.

2005: First Major Title at French Open

In 2005, Nadal won his first major title at the French Open, marking a significant milestone early in his career.

2005: China Open win and Davis Cup matches

In 2005, Rafael Nadal defeated Coria in the final of the China Open in Beijing and won both of his Davis Cup matches against Italy. He also won his fourth Masters title of the year at the 2005 Madrid Masters against Ivan Ljubičić.

2005: Failed to pass the second round of a Grand Slam

In 2005, was the first time since the 2005 Wimbledon championships that Nadal failed to pass the second round of a Grand Slam.

2006: Forming the Team

From 2006 Nadal worked with the same team which consisted of members from his family and professional staff.

2006: French Open and Wimbledon Final

From 2006 to 2008, they played in every French Open and Wimbledon final.

2006: Benito Pérez Barbadillo becomes communications director

In 2006, Benito Pérez Barbadillo became Nadal's communications director (PR manager).

2006: Became sponsored by Kia Motors

In 2006, Nadal became sponsored by Kia Motors and appeared in their advertising campaigns as a global ambassador.

2007: Wimbledon Final and Stuttgart Open Win

In 2007, Nadal was upset in the quarterfinals at Queen's, then reached the Wimbledon final, losing to Federer in five sets. In July 2007, Nadal beat Stan Wawrinka in the final of the clay-court Stuttgart Open.

2007: Wimbledon

In 2007, four of these matches were five-set matches (2007 and 2008 Wimbledon, 2009 and 2017 Australian Open), and the 2008 Wimbledon final has been lauded as the greatest match ever.

February 2008: Official presentation of the Fundación Rafa Nadal

In February 2008, the Fundación Rafa Nadal was officially presented at the Manacor Tennis Club in Mallorca, aiming to help disadvantaged children through sports.

August 2008: Surpassing Federer

In August 2008, Nadal surpassed Federer.

December 2008: Staged a charity sports event with Iker Casillas

In December 2008, Nadal and Iker Casillas staged a charity sports event, including an indoor football match, a tennis match, and a go-kart race.

2008: French Open and Wimbledon Final

From 2006 to 2008, they played in every French Open and Wimbledon final.

2008: First Year-End No. 1 Season

In 2008 Nadal had his first year-end No. 1 season.

2008: World No. 1 and Olympic Gold

In 2008, Nadal became the world No. 1 after defeating Federer in the Wimbledon final and won an Olympic singles gold at the Beijing Olympics, solidifying his status as a top player.

2008: Loss to Federer at Wimbledon

In 2008, Nadal reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon, where he faced Federer for the first time at Wimbledon since the 2008 final and lost in four sets.

2008: French Open Win

In 2008, Nadal won a Grand Slam without losing a set.

April 2009: Became the face of Lanvin's L'Homme Sport cologne

In April 2009, Nadal became the face of Lanvin's L'Homme Sport cologne, marking his entry into the fragrance market as a brand ambassador.

August 2009: Top Two Ranking

In August 2009, Nadal held the top two rankings on the ATP Tour from July 2005 to 14 August 2009.

2009: Australian Open

In 2009, Nadal and Federer met in the title matches of the 2009 Australian Open.

2009: 2009 Madrid Masters Semifinal

The 2009 Madrid Masters semifinal match is considered one of the greatest in tennis history.

2010: Sampras Questions Nadal's Longevity

After Nadal's win at the 2010 US Open, Pete Sampras questioned how long Nadal's body could handle his intense playing style, but this "longevity" narrative was proven inaccurate over time.

2010: Racquet Change and String Switch

As of the 2010 season, Nadal's racquets were painted to resemble the Babolat AeroPro Drive with Cortex GT racquet. Nadal switched to Babolat's new, black-colored, RPM Blast string.

2010: Nadal Achieves Career Grand Slam at US Open

At the 2010 US Open, Nadal defeated Djokovic in four sets, securing his career Grand Slam.

2010: Nadal Alters Serve Before US Open

Before the 2010 US Open, Nadal altered his service motion, increasing his average speed by around 10 mph during the tournament, before returning to previous levels.

2010: Top 2 Positions

In 2010, Nadal and Federer finished six consecutive calendar years at the top 2 positions (from 2005 to 2010).

2010: Collaborated with Richard Mille to develop an ultra-light wristwatch

In 2010, Nadal collaborated with luxury watchmaker Richard Mille to develop an ultra-light wristwatch.

2010: Career Grand Slam and Year-End No. 1 Ranking

In 2010, Nadal completed his first Career Grand Slam and became the second male after Andre Agassi to complete a Career Golden Slam. Nadal also clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking for 2010.

2010: Career Grand Slam

In 2010, Nadal completed the career Grand Slam by defeating Djokovic in the US Open final, becoming the youngest man in the Open Era to achieve this feat.

2010: Participated in Hit for Haiti and Match for Africa charity events

In 2010, Nadal participated in the Hit for Haiti charity event during the Australian Open to support Haiti earthquake victims. He also played in the Match for Africa exhibition matches against Roger Federer, raising funds for their respective foundations.

2010: French Open Win

In 2010, Nadal won a Grand Slam without losing a set.

2010: Nadal's Best Year

Nadal called 2010 his best year.

2011: Djokovic Beats Nadal at Wimbledon and US Open

In 2011, Djokovic defeated Nadal in the finals of both Wimbledon and the US Open, marking significant victories in their rivalry.

2011: French Open

In 2011, Nadal and Federer met in the title matches of the 2011 French Open.

2011: Became the face of Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans

In 2011, Nadal became the face of Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans for the spring/summer collection, marking the first time the label chose a tennis player for the job.

2011: Wimbledon Semi Final

In 2011, it was Nadal's first Wimbledon semi final since 2011, ensuring Nadal retained his No. 1 ranking.

2011: Davis Cup and Finals Losses

In March 2011, Nadal helped Spain defeat Belgium in a Davis Cup tie. He reached the finals at Indian Wells and Miami, losing to Novak Djokovic.

2011: 2011 Miami Masters Final

The 2011 Miami Masters final match is considered one of the greatest in tennis history.

June 2012: Joined PokerStars as a sports endorser

In June 2012, Nadal joined PokerStars online poker cardroom as a sports endorser.

2012: Seventh French Open Title

In 2012, at the French Open, Nadal won his semi-final match against Ferrer to set up another final against Novak Djokovic. Nadal emerged victorious and became the most successful male player at the French Open with seven titles.

2012: 2012 Australian Open Final

The 2012 Australian Open final match is considered one of the greatest in tennis history.

2013: Djokovic Ends Nadal's Monte Carlo Reign; Nadal Wins French Open Semifinal and US Open

In 2013, Djokovic ended Nadal's eight-year title streak at Monte Carlo, but Nadal later defeated Djokovic in the French Open semifinals and went on to win the US Open final, completing the Summer Slam.

2013: Two Grand Slam Tournaments in a Year

In 2013, Nadal captured two Grand Slam tournaments in a year.

2013: Eighth French Open Title and Wimbledon Loss

In 2013, Nadal won the French Open, breaking the record for most match wins in the tournament. He also lost his first-round match at Wimbledon, his first loss in the first round of a major.

2013: Rogers Cup Win and Injury

In 2013, Nadal won the Rogers Cup, his first Masters title on hard court since 2013; he later retired from the US Open semi-final due to knee pain.

2013: 2013 French Open Semifinal

The 2013 French Open semifinal match is considered one of the greatest in tennis history.

2014: Davis Cup and No. 1 Ranking

In 2014, Nadal helped Spain secure a Davis Cup World Group place and regained the No. 1 ranking. He also secured the year-end No. 1 at the ATP Finals in London.

2014: Tenth French Open Title

In 2014, Nadal won a record tenth French Open title, his first Grand Slam title since 2014.

2014: End of 10-year streak

In 2014, Nadal's streak of winning major singles titles in 10 consecutive years ended.

2015: Loss at clay-court semi-final

In 2015, Nadal loss at the Rio Open ended a streak of 52 consecutive wins in semi-final matches on clay.

2015: Grand Slam Quarterfinal

In 2015, Nadal reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal since the French Open.

2015: Mercedes Cup and Wimbledon Loss

In 2015, Nadal won the 2015 Mercedes Cup and lost in the second round of Wimbledon to Dustin Brown.

December 2016: Carlos Moyá Hired as Coach

In December 2016, Nadal hired Carlos Moyá as his new coach, leading to a more offensive approach in his game.

2016: Olympic Gold Medal in Doubles

In 2016, Nadal won an Olympic gold medal in doubles at the Rio Olympics, adding to his list of achievements.

September 2017: Nadal and Muguruza Top ATP and WTA Rankings

In September 2017, Nadal and Garbiñe Muguruza made Spain the first country since the United States 14 years earlier to simultaneously top both the ATP and the WTA rankings.

September 2017: Top Two Ranking

In September 2017, Nadal held the top two rankings on the ATP Tour from 11 September 2017 to 15 October 2018.

2017: End of Same Team

From 2017 Nadal no longer worked with the same team.

2017: Four-year Span of Major Titles

From 2017, Nadal began another four-year span of winning major singles titles, continuing his legacy.

2017: Federer Australian Open

In 2017, Federer won Australian Open.

2017: French Open Win

In 2017, Nadal won a Grand Slam without losing a set.

October 2018: Top Two Ranking

In October 2018, Nadal held the top two rankings on the ATP Tour from 11 September 2017 to 15 October 2018.

October 2018: Opened tennis academy to victims of Majorca flood and donated €1 million

In October 2018, during the Majorca flood, Nadal opened his tennis academy to the victims. One day after the flood he helped the victims in the clean up process and donated €1 million for rebuilding Sant Llorenç des Cardassar.

2018: 2018 Wimbledon Semifinal

The 2018 Wimbledon semifinal match is considered one of the greatest in tennis history.

2019: Analysts Praise Nadal's Improved Serve

From 2019 onwards, several analysts praised Nadal's improvement on the serve, noting the increased speed of his serve.

2019: Davis Cup Title

In 2019, Nadal helped Spain win its sixth Davis Cup title and was awarded the tournament's Most Valuable Player award.

2019: Year-End No. 1 Ranking Secured

In 2019, Nadal secured the year-end No. 1 ranking for the fifth time.

2019: Longest Wimbledon Final

In 2019, the Wimbledon final became the longest final in Wimbledon history, at 4 hours and 48 minutes, Nadal vs Federer.

November 2020: Record as Top Player

In November 2020, Nadal reached his 790th back to back week as one of the ten highest placed players on the ATP rankings and surpassed the record held by Jimmy Connors.

2020: End of Four-year Span of Major Titles

In 2020, Nadal concluded another four-year span of winning major singles titles, continuing his legacy.

2020: Joined efforts to combat COVID-19 and pledged support to Food Bank of Mallorca

In 2020, Nadal joined Pau Gasol and the Red Cross to raise 11 million euros to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fundación Rafa Nadal also pledged to support the Food Bank of Mallorca, aiming to collect 3,000 kg of food.

2021: 2021 French Open Semifinal

The 2021 French Open semifinal match is considered one of the greatest in tennis history.

2022: Most Grand Slam Men's Singles Titles

At the 2022 Australian Open, Nadal surpassed his joint-record with Djokovic and Federer for the most Grand Slam men's singles titles and completed the double career Grand Slam.

April 2023: Fundación Rafa Nadal partnered with UNESCO through its Fit for Life project

On 6 April 2023, the Fundación Rafa Nadal announced a partnership with UNESCO through its Fit for Life project, designed to tackle physical inactivity, recovery from COVID-19, mental health issues, and inequality.