Rafael Nadal hails from Mallorca, Spain, and has spent most of his life there. But in tennis, Nadal’s home is undoubtedly the Roland Garros in Paris. The king of clay has returned to the French Open [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/french-open-2020/] as he begins his preparations to mount a challenge for an astounding 13th Major in France. In a video released by the ATP [https://twitter.com/atptour/status/1309114841009917955], Nadal was seen practicing under the lights, inside the center court of the French Open, Court Philippe-Chatrier. In the video, Rafa [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/rafael-nadal/] was practicing his strong loopy cross-court forehands. RAFAEL NADAL HOLDS A 93-2 RECORD AT THE FRENCH OPEN Rafa just loves the French Open. The Spaniard has won a jaw-dropping 12 French Open titles and his win-loss record of 93-2 is beyond comparison. He has participated in 15 French Open events, winning twelve of them. The level of consistency Nadal displays at the French Open is unreal. Also, there is another record at stake this year. Rafa is just one Grand Slam behind Roger Federer [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/roger-federer]‘s tally of 20 Majors. Nadal has been chasing the Swiss for years and he is finally within touching distance. With Novak Djokovic [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/novak-djokovic/] also fast approaching, the record could change hands multiple times in the next few years. Rafael Nadal [https://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2020-09-18T172035Z_1707342955_RC251J9F25KG_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-ROME.jpg]Rafael Nadal in action during his third-round match against Dusan Lajovic Pool via REUTERS/Clive Brunskill But 2020 has been an odd year. Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, tennis all over the world stopped and players were forced to sit at home for almost 6 months. Even though the season restarted with the Cincinnati Open and US Open, Nadal opted out of the hard courts in the USA to prepare for the clay-court tournaments. Nadal’s rivals have all played a considerable amount of matches in the last month or so, and fitness-wise they look a bit ahead of Nadal. Rafa showed signs of rustiness when he lost to Diego Schwartzman [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/diego-schwartzman/] in the quarterfinals of the Italian Open [https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/tennis/italian-open/]. But given Nadal’s prowess and consistency at the French Open, he still goes in as a huge favorite in Paris. French Open 2020 [http://www.essentiallysports.com/i-am-gonna-keep-working-rafael-nadal-hopeful-to-fix-some-issues-at-french-open-2020-atp-tennis-news/] 

19-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal is practicing hard and getting ready to
beat Roger Federer's Grand Slam record. Read more

Bhavishya Mittal is a tennis author for EssentiallySports, who is currently
pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Manipal University. A former
sports editor for The Manipal Journal, Bhavishya has also worked for The New
Indian Express. He has a keen eye for many sports but he is a particularly
ardent follower of tennis, with a zest to create riveting articles on the
ever-evolving sport. Bhavishya admires the fast and grueling nature of
21st-century tennis with him considering Roger Federer a standout performer.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Bhavishya_Mittal.png

Bhavishya Mittal

ATP Masters 1000 - Italian Open

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WATCH: Rafael Nadal Ready to Equal Roger Federer’s Record at French Open 2020

$300 Million Worth and GOAT Crown Take a Backseat As Serena Williams Unwittingly
Delivers Moving Lesson on Humility

American Legend Venus Williams Cheekily Reveals Her Obsession With a ‘Happy
Place’ and That’s Not the Tennis Court

‘Wish I Could Call Her’- Serena Williams’ Millionaire Husband Alexis Ohanian
Reveals Emotional Regret Over Late Mother

Christmas Comes Early for Frances Tiafoe and His GF as They Turn Into Kids
Bursting With Excitement Over Holiday Shopping

Taylor Townsend Takes a Leap From Tennis as She Shifts Her Attention to Motherly
Duties After a Fine End to the Season

French Open

History and Evolution of the French Open The French Open &#8211; originated in 1891 as the Championnat de France, is a national tennis championship held exclusively for French players or members of French clubs. It marked the beginning of what would become one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. Since 1928, the French Open has been held annually over two weeks in late May and early June at Stade Roland Garros in Paris. This venue, named after the famed World War 1 aviator hero Roland Garros, provides a dedicated and iconic location for the tournament. Stade Roland Garros is named in honor of Roland Garros, a pioneering French aviator. This naming reflects the tournament&#8217;s deep connections to French culture and history. The women&#8217;s singles competition was introduced in 1897, expanding the tournament and promoting gender inclusivity in the sport. This addition marked an important step in the evolution of the championship. Mixed doubles were added to the tournament in 1902, followed by women&#8217;s doubles in 1907. These inclusions further diversified the competition and increased its appeal to a broader range of players and spectators. The French Open was not held from 1915 to 1919 due to World War I. The hiatus reflected the impact of global events on the tournament, but it resumed in 1920s, continuing its legacy. In 1925, the French Open became an international event, opening its doors to players from around the world. This transformation elevated its status, making it one of the four Grand Slam tournaments and attracting global talent. The French Open is the second Grand Slam tournament of the year, following the Australian Open and preceding Wimbledon and the US Open. Its timing within the tennis calendar ensures it plays a crucial role in the annual competitive landscape. Before 1975, the French Open was the only major tournament not played on grass courts. This unique characteristic set it apart and contributed to its distinct identity within the Grand Slam circuit. The transition of other majors to different surfaces further highlighted the French Open&#8217;s traditional clay courts. These milestones and developments chart the rich history and evolution of the French Open, showcasing its growth from a national championship to a premier international tennis event with a distinctive character and enduring legacy. Venues and Locations of French Open Divergent views exist on the locations of the French Closed Championships, which took place between 1891 and 1924 and served as the model for the current French Open. The book &#8220;Tennis: a Cultural History&#8221; by Heiner Gillmeister is the source of the information provided here. The competition was limited to French citizens and other athletes holding a license from French tennis associations. All amateur players from all nations were welcome to compete in the French Championships starting in 1925. The courts of the ÃŽle Puteaux Club hosted the first French Closed Championships in the year 1891. Situated on the island of Puteaux in the Seine, next to Bois de Boulogne, were the club&#8217;s 10 sand grounds. After that, this place was the ground for Roland Garros in the following years &#8211; 1891, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1897, 1902, 1905, 1907. From 1892 to 1924, the French Open, initially known as the Championnat de France, was held at various prestigious venues in Paris, primarily at the Croix-Catelan grounds of the Racing Club de France. The tournament&#8217;s early years saw it frequently hosted at these locations, which were central to the development of French tennis during that era. The Croix-Catelan, part of the Racing Club de France, hosted the French Open intermittently starting in 1892 and then more regularly from 1901 to 1924. Situated in the Bois de Boulogne, this venue offered ample space and a refined atmosphere for the burgeoning tennis competition. Its facilities and the clubâ€™s prominence attracted top French players, helping to elevate the status of the tournament within the international tennis community. Tennis club de Paris known for its well-maintained courts and its role in fostering a strong tennis community in Paris. It hosted the French Open intermittently during these years, specifically in 1896 and from 1897 to 1906, offering a stable and supportive environment for the competition. These years at the Tennis Club de Paris were marked by the participation of the top French players of the time, helping to establish the tournament&#8217;s reputation and laying the groundwork for its future as an international sporting event. In 1909, the French Open was held at the SociÃ©tÃ© AthlÃ©tique de la Villa Primrose in Bordeaux. This venue was a departure from the usual Parisian locations, marking a unique chapter in the tournament&#8217;s history. Since 1928, the French Open has found its permanent home at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris. Named after the French aviator Roland Garros, the stadium was specifically built to host France&#8217;s defense of the Davis Cup. Stade Roland Garros features several key courts, with Court Philippe Chatrier serving as the main stadium court. This iconic court, which seats over 15,000 spectators, has seen numerous historic matches and legendary players. Major Developments in the French Open In 1927, the French Davis Cup team, led by the &#8220;Four Musketeers&#8221; (Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon, Henri Cochet, and RenÃ© Lacoste), won the Davis Cup, necessitating the construction of a new stadium to host the following year&#8217;s defense. Consequently, Stade de Roland Garros was built in 1928, providing a dedicated venue for the French Open and elevating the tournament&#8217;s stature. World War II caused significant disruptions to the French Open. The tournament was not officially held from 1940 to 1945, although unofficial editions were played. Post-war, the tournament resumed in 1946, with efforts to rebuild and modernize the facilities, restoring its position in the international tennis calendar. In 1968, the French Open became the first Grand Slam tournament to embrace the &#8220;Open Era,&#8221; allowing both amateur and professional players to compete. This transition marked a pivotal change in tennis, increasing the tournament&#8217;s competitiveness and prestige. In 2007, the French Open introduced equal prize money for men and women, joining the other Grand Slam tournaments in promoting gender equality. This move underscored the tournament&#8217;s commitment to fairness and was a significant milestone in the history of tennis. From 2004 to 2008, discussions and plans were initiated to add a retractable roof over Court Philippe Chatrier. This development aimed to ensure uninterrupted play during inclement weather, enhancing the experience for players and spectators alike. In 2011, the French Tennis Federation initiated a major expansion project for Stade Roland Garros. The project aimed to modernize the facilities, increase capacity, and improve the overall infrastructure to meet the growing demands of the tournament. The expansion project faced several legal challenges from local residents and environmental groups concerned about the impact on the historic botanical gardens. These challenges delayed progress, but by 2018, most legal obstacles were overcome, allowing the project to advance. In 2019, Court Simonne-Mathieu was inaugurated. Named after the French tennis legend, this court is uniquely set within the Jardin des Serres d&#8217;Auteuil&#8217;s botanical gardens, providing a stunning and innovative venue that blends sport with nature. In 2020, floodlights were installed on the main courts, enabling night matches for the first time in the tournament&#8217;s history. This enhancement allowed for greater scheduling flexibility and improved the viewing experience for global audiences. These developments reflect the French Open&#8217;s ongoing evolution, combining respect for tradition with modern innovation to maintain its status as a premier event in the world of tennis. Tournament Structure of the French Open and Challenges Faced by Players   The French Open is traditionally held in late May and early June, marking the end of the spring clay court season. This timing situates it after the hard court and before the grass court seasons, creating a distinct preparation period for players who must adapt to the specific demands of clay. The French Open is widely regarded as the premier clay court tennis championship in the world. It is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, and its prestige attracts the best players globally, making it a highly competitive and sought-after title. The clay courts of Roland Garros have unique characteristics that significantly impact gameplay. The surface is slower than grass or hard courts, causing the ball to lose speed and bounce higher. This results in longer rallies and requires players to have excellent stamina, strategic play, and the ability to slide effectively on the court. The French Open is particularly known for its physically demanding nature, especially in the men&#8217;s singles competition, which is played as best-of-five sets. The extended match length on the slow clay surface increases the physical and mental strain on players. Endurance, patience, and resilience are crucial for success, as matches can often last several hours, testing the limits of a player&#8217;s fitness and perseverance. These elements together make the French Open a unique and challenging tournament, requiring players to excel in specific skills suited to clay courts, alongside maintaining peak physical condition to endure the rigorous demands of the competition. Trophies and Awards of French Open Men&#8217;s Singles: Coupe des Mousquetaires The men&#8217;s singles champion at the French Open is awarded the Coupe des Mousquetaires, named in honor of the &#8220;Four Musketeers&#8221; of French tennisâ€”Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon, Henri Cochet, and RenÃ© Lacoste. This prestigious trophy symbolizes excellence and historical significance in French tennis. It is a silver trophy intricately designed, reflecting the grandeur of winning one of the sport&#8217;s most challenging tournaments. Women&#8217;s Singles: Coupe Suzanne Lenglen The women&#8217;s singles champion receives the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, named after the legendary French tennis player Suzanne Lenglen, who dominated women&#8217;s tennis in the 1920s. The trophy honors her contributions to the sport and her exceptional talent. It is a beautifully crafted silver cup, embodying the elegance and prestige associated with one of tennis&#8217;s premier championships. Custom-Made Silver Replicas for Winners In addition to the original trophies, both the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s singles champions are given custom-made silver replicas of the Coupe des Mousquetaires and the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, respectively. These replicas allow the winners to keep a piece of their victory while the original trophies remain at Stade Roland Garros. The replicas are finely crafted to mirror the original designs, serving as a lasting memento of the champions&#8217; remarkable achievements. These trophies and awards are not just symbols of victory but also celebrate the rich history and tradition of the French Open, honoring past legends while recognizing current champions. French Open Prize money 2024   The 2024 French Open Prize money has been revealed, and it has increased by 7.82% from 2023 to an all-time high of â‚¬53,478,000. The winners of the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s divisions will receive a cheque for â‚¬2,400,000, which is 4.35% more than what Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek took home after winning the titles the previous year. The runner-up will also be happy to get a healthy â‚¬1,200,000 in their bank account, which is a rise of 4.35% from a year earlier. The majority of the increased prize money has gone towards qualifying; for instance, losers in the first qualifying round will receive â‚¬20,000, which is a 25% increase from a year earlier. Menâ€™s and Womenâ€™s Singles  Place Prize Money (USD) Prize Money (Euro)   Champion $2,563,788 â‚¬2,400,000  Runner Up $1,281,786 â‚¬1176436.14  Semifinalist $694,300.75 â‚¬650,000  Quarterfinalist $443,284.32 â‚¬415,000  Fourth Round $267,038.75 â‚¬250,000  Third Round $168,768.49 â‚¬158,000  Second Round $117,497.05 â‚¬110,000  First Round $77,966.19 â‚¬73,000  Men&#8217;s &amp; Women&#8217;s Doubles Prize Money  Â Result Â Prize Money (per pair) Prize Money in USD  Â Champion Â â‚¬590,000 $642775.50  Â Finalist Â â‚¬295,000 $321387.75  Â SF Â â‚¬148,000 $160813.84  Â QF Â â‚¬80,000 $86926.40  Â R3 Â â‚¬43,500 $47266.23  Â R2 Â â‚¬27,500 $29880.95  Â R1 Â â‚¬17,500 $19015.15  Mixed Doubles  2024 Prize Money â‚¬ EUR Prize Money $ USD % Change vs 2023   Winner â‚¬122,000 $130,492 0.00%  Runner-up â‚¬61,000 $65,246 0.00%  Semifinal â‚¬31,000 $33,158 0.00%  Quarterfinal â‚¬17,500 $18,718 0.00%  Round 2 â‚¬10,000 $10,696 0.00%  Round 1 â‚¬5,000 $5,348 0.00%  Menâ€™s and Womenâ€™s Wheelchair Singles The prize money for quad wheelchairs is the same, but the draw is smallerâ€”there are only eight players in the singles and four pairs in the doublesâ€”and the competition ends in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.  2024 Prize Money â‚¬ EUR Prize Money $ USD % Change vs 2023   Winner â‚¬62,000 $66,347 3.33%  Runner-up â‚¬31,000 $33,174 3.33%  Semifinal â‚¬20,000 $21,402 11.11%  Quarterfinal â‚¬12,000 $12,841 9.09%  Round 1 â‚¬8,500 $9,096 6.25%   Menâ€™s and Womenâ€™s Wheelchair Doubles  2024 Prize Money â‚¬ EUR Prize Money $ USD % Change vs 2023   Winner â‚¬21,000 $22,790 5.00%  Runner-up â‚¬11,000 $11,938 10.00%  Semifinal â‚¬8,000 $8,682 14.29%  Quarterfinal â‚¬5,000 $5,426 0.00%

French Open Archives

French Open Archives - EssentiallySports

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The third but final Grand Slam of an eventful year gets underway on the clay courts in Paris. The French Open 2020 will be the 124th edition of the tournament.

A dark cloud hovered over the event due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Cases in Paris are on the rise, but the event organizers are positive about creating a secure bubbe for the players and other members.
<h2>Where will the French Open be held?</h2>
Like every year, the French Open 2020 will be held at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France.

It is organized by the French Tennis Federation on the clay courts in Paris. It usually follows a host of other major events in the clay-court season. However, this time only the Italian Open in Rome precedes it, as other events were canceled due to the coronavirus.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-376510" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200914191436/French-Open-2.jpg" alt="French Open 2020" width="1920" height="944" />
<h2>When will the French Open 2020 be held?</h2>
The event had many schedule changes. It was originally scheduled from May 24 to June 7. It was then moved to a September 20 start, and again to a September 27 start.

The French Open 2020 begins on September 21 and finishes on October 11, spanning three weeks in a rare occurrence.
<h2>What is different at the French Open 2020?</h2>
The French Open 2020 is the first edition with a retractable roof on the main court - Court Philippe Chatrier. This will allow night matches for the first time at the event and also allow matches to be played in rain. The four main stadium courts will all see matches under floodlights.

Also, this is the first time that stadiums will not be filled to capacity. However, up to 11,500 fans are allowed on the three main courts - up to 5,000 people each on Court Philippe Chatrier and Court Suzanne Lenglen. Up to 1,500 people on Court Simmone Mathieu.

Also, players will be tested for coronavirus upon arrival and will be tested again in 72 hours. Players can stay only in the two hotels provided by the organizers.
<h2>French Open 2020 defending champions</h2>
12-time champion Rafael Nadal is the defending champion in the men's singles. The French Open will be just his second event in six months.

[caption id="attachment_376517" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-376517 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200914191854/French-Open-Nadal.jpg" alt="Rafael Nadal in action" width="1920" height="1345" /> via REUTERS[/caption]

Ashleigh Barty is the defending women's singles champion. The French Open 2020 will see a new women's champion as Barty will not play the event due to the pandemic.

The German pair of Kevin Krawietz and Andreas Mies is the men's doubles champions from 2019. Timea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic are the defending women's doubles champions.

Latisha Chan and Ivan Dodig won the mixed doubles titles in 2019.
<h2><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-376524" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200914192306/Serena-French-Open-1.jpg" alt="Serena Williams in action" width="1000" height="678" /></h2>
<h2>French Open 2020 Prize Money</h2>
The total prize money for the 2020 event is set at 38 million Euros. The prize money is less by 10 percent this year, from 42.66 million Euros last year.
<h2>French Open 2020 Schedule</h2>
This year's French Open will see night matches as well along with the usual day session. Matches will begin at 5 AM (Eastern Time).

Night matches will be on the stadiums with floodlights.
<h2>Which channels are showing the French Open?</h2>
France - France.tv Sport, Eurosport
Europe (all territories) - Eurosport
Europe (local) - ITV, Rtbf.be, SRG SSR, eirsport, ORF, EPT, Radio Televijiza Slovenija, Televizia Markiza, PTS, Kyle, Eesti Meedia, Ceska Televize, Hrvastska radiotelevizija, PTPC, RTCG
USA - NBC Sports, Tennis channel
Canada - RDS, TSN
Latin-America - ESPN
Brazil - Band Sports
North-Africa and Middle-east - bein sports
Sub-Saharan Africa - SuperSport, Canal+
India - Star Sports
China - CMG
South-East Asia - Fox Sports
Japan - TV Tokyo, wowow
Australia - Fox Sports, SBS
New Zealand -Sky
South Korea - JTBC (Fox Sports)

French Open 2020

The third but final Grand Slam of an eventful year gets underway on the clay courts in Paris. The French Open 2020 will be the 124th edition of the tournament. A dark cloud hovered over the event due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Cases in Paris are on the rise, but the event organizers are positive about creating a secure bubbe for the players and other members. Where will the French Open be held? Like every year, the French Open 2020 will be held at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. It is organized by the French Tennis Federation on the clay courts in Paris. It usually follows a host of other major events in the clay-court season. However, this time only the Italian Open in Rome precedes it, as other events were canceled due to the coronavirus. When will the French Open 2020 be held? The event had many schedule changes. It was originally scheduled from May 24 to June 7. It was then moved to a September 20 start, and again to a September 27 start. The French Open 2020 begins on September 21 and finishes on October 11, spanning three weeks in a rare occurrence. What is different at the French Open 2020? The French Open 2020 is the first edition with a retractable roof on the main court &#8211; Court Philippe Chatrier. This will allow night matches for the first time at the event and also allow matches to be played in rain. The four main stadium courts will all see matches under floodlights. Also, this is the first time that stadiums will not be filled to capacity. However, up to 11,500 fans are allowed on the three main courts &#8211; up to 5,000 people each on Court Philippe Chatrier and Court Suzanne Lenglen. Up to 1,500 people on Court Simmone Mathieu. Also, players will be tested for coronavirus upon arrival and will be tested again in 72 hours. Players can stay only in the two hotels provided by the organizers. French Open 2020 defending champions 12-time champion Rafael Nadal is the defending champion in the men&#8217;s singles. The French Open will be just his second event in six months. via REUTERS Ashleigh Barty is the defending women&#8217;s singles champion. The French Open 2020 will see a new women&#8217;s champion as Barty will not play the event due to the pandemic. The German pair of Kevin Krawietz and Andreas Mies is the men&#8217;s doubles champions from 2019. Timea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic are the defending women&#8217;s doubles champions. Latisha Chan and Ivan Dodig won the mixed doubles titles in 2019. French Open 2020 Prize Money The total prize money for the 2020 event is set at 38 million Euros. The prize money is less by 10 percent this year, from 42.66 million Euros last year. French Open 2020 Schedule This year&#8217;s French Open will see night matches as well along with the usual day session. Matches will begin at 5 AM (Eastern Time). Night matches will be on the stadiums with floodlights. Which channels are showing the French Open? France &#8211; France.tv Sport, Eurosport Europe (all territories) &#8211; Eurosport Europe (local) &#8211; ITV, Rtbf.be, SRG SSR, eirsport, ORF, EPT, Radio Televijiza Slovenija, Televizia Markiza, PTS, Kyle, Eesti Meedia, Ceska Televize, Hrvastska radiotelevizija, PTPC, RTCG USA &#8211; NBC Sports, Tennis channel Canada &#8211; RDS, TSN Latin-America &#8211; ESPN Brazil &#8211; Band Sports North-Africa and Middle-east &#8211; bein sports Sub-Saharan Africa &#8211; SuperSport, Canal+ India &#8211; Star Sports China &#8211; CMG South-East Asia &#8211; Fox Sports Japan &#8211; TV Tokyo, wowow Australia &#8211; Fox Sports, SBS New Zealand -Sky South Korea &#8211; JTBC (Fox Sports)

French Open 2020 Archives

French Open 2020 Archives - EssentiallySports

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal: 2024 Net Worth, Stats, Salary, wife and more Who is Rafael Nadal?Â  Rafael Nadal is undoubtedly one of the best tennis players of all time. The Spaniard, along withÂ Novak DjokovicÂ andÂ Roger Federer,Â 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 Nadalâ€™s Early LifeÂ  Rafael Nadal Parera was born on June 3, 1986, to parents Ana Maria Parera Femenias and Sebastian 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. Mara 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, MarÃ­a Isabel Nadal. Tennis &#8211; Wimbledon &#8211; All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain &#8211; July 2, 2022 Spain&#8217;s Rafael Nadal reacts during his third round match against Italy&#8217;s Lorenzo Sonego REUTERS/Matthew Childs 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 nephew&#8217;s 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 chose tennis and has pursued it ever since. Rafael Nadalâ€™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. 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 Nadalâ€™s Net Worth 2024 (Update) As of early 2024, Rafael Nadal&#8217;s estimated net worth is $200 million. About all-time tennis prize money earned, he is ranked No. 2 after an exceptionally successful career. South Korea&#8217;s second-largest automobile manufacturer, Kia, has been sponsoring him as its global ambassador since 2006. Apart from Kia,Â American clothing and footwear company Nike also sponsors Nadal. Spanish biscuits and bakery manufacturer, Quely also made him its international ambassador in 2010. 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. Read More: Indian Wells 2024: Rafael Nadal Receives the GOAT Tag Alongside a Special Message From Hollywood Icon Ben Stiller 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 a stylized version of a bull. Rafael Nadalâ€™s Career &amp; Record 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. 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. 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 The King of Clay has also clinched a gold medal at the Summer Olympics. In 2008, Nadal defeated Fernando Gonzalez 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 that 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 Roland Garros, Robin Sterling and Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard is the only player to have maintained a stance in the top 10 for 912 weeks. Rafael Nadalâ€™s Academy Considered one of the leading sports centers in the world for tennis, the Rafa Nadal Academy wasÂ launched in the year 2016 in Manacor, Spain. The academy was built 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 Nadalâ€™s Partnerships and Endorsements Nadal has endorsement deals and brand partnerships galore, the most profitable of which seems to be with Nike. Nike and Rafael Nadal have been collaborators since the Spanish player&#8217;s inception, and the renowned brand has helped him achieve a number of his characteristic appearances. The Raging Bull trademark, which is featured on a variety of gear items available for public purchase in addition to custom-made clothes for Rafael Nadal, is owned by Nike. Although the Raging Bull sign is commonly regarded as Rafael Nadal&#8217;s logo, Nike is the company that owns the trademark. The now-famous Raging Bull emblem was initially observed on Rafael Nadal in 2013. It was typically shown most clearly on his right breast, with the Nike logo covering his left. Despite his modesty, Nike values their relationship with Rafael Nadal greatly and pays him around $10 million annually. In addition, Santander, Emporio Armani, Babolat, Heliocare, Telefonica, Banco Sabadell, Tommy Hilfiger, Mapfre, and upscale wristwatch Richard Mille are among Nadal&#8217;s sponsors. According to the most recent estimations, Rafael Nadal&#8217;s net worth is roughly $220 million, with the majority of his income coming from prize money won on the ATP Tour. Since way back in 2006, he has represented South Korean automaker Kia as a brand ambassador. Rafael Nadalâ€™s 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 Ramon Delgado and triumphed in straight sets of 6-4, 6-4. Ever since then, he has become one of the best in the sport. 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 &#8211; â€˜Itâ€™s Humiliating to Get Injuries??â€™ â€“ Former Serena Williamsâ€™ Coach Joins Andy Roddick to Stand Firmly Behind 36-Year-Old Rafael Nadal Following aÂ MessyÂ 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 are widely regarded as one of the most iconic tennis matches in the history of the sport. Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic: Head-to-Head after 2021 One of the most intense rivalries on the ATP tour, Nadal and Djokovic, always ensure to put 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 won the most important French Open semi-final contest and later went on to win the title. 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 Nadalâ€™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 on the point by pushing the opponent from corner to corner and there is no better surface than clay to do that. 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 when 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 on the first attempt. Rafael Nadalâ€™s 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. 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. 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 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 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 Nadalâ€™s Charity and Foundation 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 to provide 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.Â 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. Rafael Nadalâ€™s Social Media Accounts  Instagram  rafaelnadal   Twitter Rafa Nadal  Facebook Rafa Nadal  Website rafaelnadal.com    Personal Information:  Full Name Rafael Nadal  Popular Name Rafa, King of Clay, El Nino  Date Of Birth 3 June 1986  Birth Place Manacor, Spain  Age 37Â years  Height 1.85Â m  Weight 85Â kg  Parents Father Sebastian Nadal Homar &amp; Mother Ana Maria Parera Femenias  Siblings Sister &#8211; Maria Isabel NadalÂ (Maribel)  Nationality Spanish  Ethnicity Spanish  Net Worth $220 Million  Spouse Maria Francisca Perello  Relationship/Marital Status Married  Children One boy &#8211; Rafael Nadal Jr.  Profession Tennis player

WATCH: Rafael Nadal Ready to Equal Roger Federer’s Record at French Open 2020

Rafael Nadal holds a 93-2 record at the French Open