Rafael Nadal was not only a tennis icon, but he had the ability to transcend his sport by becoming a role model for many people in every corner of the world. Almost no one thought that his career would be so long, especially due to the numerous injuries that have affected him since his early years on the professional tour.
The former world No.1 continued to work on his game even after winning everything, becoming a very competitive player on all surfaces and breaking new records on his beloved red clay. 2022 was the last big year of his career, in which he left everyone speechless by winning the Australian Open and Roland Garros for the 14th time.
That edition of the French Open – won despite a serious foot injury – remained his last title before retiring. The last two years have been particularly tough for the Spanish legend, who has not been able to play as and as much as he would have liked due to injuries.
2024 was supposed to be his last dance, but it was immediately clear that his original plans would not come to fruition. The 22-time Grand Slam champion suffered an injury during the Brisbane ATP 250 and had to miss the Australian Open, returning to action only for the season on red clay.
