Set to kickstart his 2024 tennis campaign, the former World No. 1, Rafael Nadal, has secured a wildcard entry into the Brisbane International. Following this ATP 250 event in Queensland, Nadal will continue his preparations for the Australian Open in Melbourne.
The Australian Open holds a significant memory for Nadal, as it was in Melbourne where he grappled with hip pain, forcing him to sideline himself for the remainder of the 2023 season.
Currently in Kuwait, the Spaniard has been spending time at his Middle Eastern academy base, accompanied by his family. Recently, his newborn baby was present to witness the 22-time Grand Slam winner engage in an intense training session. During this training, Nadal made playful expressions at his firstborn, capturing a heartwarming moment that was shared on social media by an observant fan.
Nadal’s illustrious career boasts a staggering 30 appearances in Grand Slam finals, placing him third behind Novak Djokovic’s 36 and Roger Federer’s 31 final appearances. He stands as the only man to secure multiple majors across three decades and holds the record for clinching at least one Grand Slam title for ten consecutive years (2005-2014) and 15 years overall, both remarkable feats in men’s tennis.
Before turning 25, Nadal achieved an extraordinary milestone by claiming all four majors in singles (Career Grand Slam) and the Olympic singles gold medal (Career Golden Slam). Additionally, he became the first male player in the Open Era to accomplish both feats.
His tennis legacy is further solidified by being one of four men in history, alongside Roy Emerson, Rod Laver, and Djokovic, to clinch each Major at least twice in his career. Nadal is also the sole player to complete the Career Grand Slam while securing Olympic gold medals in both singles and doubles.
Revered as the “King of Clay,” Nadal’s dominance on clay courts is unprecedented. His astonishing record at the French Open, winning the tournament 14 times with a staggering 97.4% victory rate (112-3 match record), is widely regarded as one of the most phenomenal achievements in tennis and sports history.
His prowess on clay is highlighted by an unprecedented achievement in 2010 when he secured victories in the three clay-court Masters 1000 events (Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Rome) along with the French Open, solidifying his position as the only player to accomplish the prestigious Clay Slam.
As Nadal gears up for the Brisbane International and subsequently the Australian Open, tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing the continued legacy of this tennis icon on the courts.
Rafael Nadal in 2023
Currently ranked no.668, the Spaniard played his last match on the 18th of January when he surrendered to world no.41 Mackenzie Mcdonald 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the 2nd round of the Australian Open (draw).
This season Rafael has achieved a 1-3 win-loss record.
Nadal has scheduled to play next in Brisbane (Brisbane International). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 31st of December thanks to a wild card.