Rafael Nadal’s streak stops at 21: Roger Federer keeps the record

Rafael Nadal will finish the season with no Major wins on his tally. The 22-time Major winner failed to earn a victory at four notable events for the first time since 2022 when he was 16! Thus, Nadal ended his streak of 21 seasons with one Major win, missing Roger Federer’s record.

The Swiss embraced 22 consecutive years with a triumph at Majors, earning the first in 2000 and finishing with the semi-final at the 2021 Australian Open. Rafa started his journey at Majors at Wimbledon 2003 a couple of weeks after turning 17.

The Spaniard delivered two wins and became one of the youngest players in the third round at the All England Club. The rest is history, with Nadal embracing a 314-44 score at Majors and lifting 22 trophies between 2005 and 2022.

Rafa claimed a Major title in ten consecutive seasons between 2005 and 2014, with another strong streak coming between 2017 and 2022. Nadal made a perfect start to the 2022 season, conquering the Australian Open and Roland Garros in the same season for the first time in a career.

Rafa extended his streak and reached the semi-final at Wimbledon before withdrawing ahead of the Nick Kyrgios clash. The Spaniard felt the pain in his abdominal muscle and would not recover by the end of the season.

He suffered an early US Open loss and finished as world no. 2 behind Carlos Alcaraz. Nadal made a slow start to the 2023 season before his first duel at the Australian Open. The veteran faced Jack Draper in the first round, scoring a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 triumph in three hours and 41 minutes.

Thus, Rafa embraced his 21st consecutive season with a win at Majors, moving closer to Roger’s record. Draper pushed Nadal to the limits in the opening three sets, attacking and imposing his strokes. Rafa struggled behind the second serve and saved seven out of 11 break points.

The defending champion grabbed six breaks and passed the opening challenge. The Spaniard served well in the opening set and landed a forehand crosscourt winner at 6-5 to wrap up the opener.

Rafael Nadal finished the 2024 season without a victory at Majors.
The young Briton took charge in the second set, serving well and delivering an early break with a volley winner in the opening game.

Draper earned another break in the third game with a powerful backhand and secured the set with a hold in game eight. Despite physical issues, Jack fought well in the third set, pulling the break back in game seven and leveling the score at 4-4.

Rafa delivered another break in the tenth game, winning the set 6-4 and moving closer to the finish line. The Spaniard delivered three straight breaks for a 5-1 advantage and denied break points in game seven to seal the deal and move over the top.

Nadal injured his left hip in the second round against Mackenzie McDonald, feeling massive pain but enduring until the end, ending his campaign without retiring. Rafa missed the rest of the season and made a return in Brisbane in the first week of 2024.

Nadal defeated two rivals before embracing a grueling duel with Jordan Thompson.