The final week of Rafael Nadal’s tennis career has arrived, and it’s bittersweet. Competing in the Davis Cup in his home country for the last time, he reflects on his journey, recalling, “one of my first great joys as a tennis player was at the Davis Cup in Sevilla in 2004,” when he defeated World No. 2 Andy Roddick as an 18-year-old rookie. Throughout this incredible journey, one thing has remained constant: his loyalty to Babolat, the sports equipment company that has supported him since he was nine years old.

Nadal’s relationship with Babolat has been instrumental in his success, helping him secure 92 titles, including 22 Grand Slam championships. Now, he carries a custom-made kit from Babolat to the Davis Cup. So let’s see what makes it so special for him.

What did Babolat do for Rafa as he heads into the final week of his career?

Babolat has crafted a stunning custom tennis racket bag for Rafael Nadal’s final tournament at the Davis Cup. The sleek black bag features vibrant accents of blue, yellow, and pink, celebrating Nadal’s remarkable achievements with stats like “22 Grand Slams,” “36 Masters 1000,” and “1250 Babolat racquets and 0 broken.” It also highlights his Grand Slam counts for each major tournament, complete with icons for the host cities.

Beyond his on-court greatness, Nadal is admired for his sportsmanship and respect for the game. This ethos is captured in phrases on the bag, such as “Rafa Nadal and Babolat since 1995.” In addition to the bag, Babolat shared a heartfelt video on social media, showcasing key moments from Nadal’s career. Accompanying the video was a touching letter that read, “Enjoy Every Point. More than just a partner, Rafa is a member of our #BabolatFamily.” The letter concluded with a promise: “You are, and will always be, a vital member of the #BabolatFamily.”

Rafa and Babolat go way back to the start

Over 25 years, Rafael Nadal and Babolat have forged a remarkable legacy together, highlighted by standout products like the Pure Aero Rafa Origin racket and RPM Blast strings. Even as he prepares to step away from the game, these beloved items will remain available to fans. Yet, it’s more than just gear that connects Nadal to Babolat; it’s a profound relationship built on trust and shared achievements. Eric Babolat, the company’s CEO, sums it up perfectly: “Rafa has been part of the Babolat family since he was 9 years old. Our relationship with him is more than just a partnership, it’s a story of trust and shared success.”

What truly sets this partnership apart is the staggering amount of equipment Nadal has utilized throughout his career. He has played with an astonishing 1,250 Pure Aero Rafa rackets—none of which have ever broken! Alongside that feat, he has strung 186 miles of RPM Blast string and personally applied over 54,000 feet of Babolat VS Original overgrip. Throughout his journey, he has carried 125 bags on his right shoulder, showcasing both his unique style and dedication.

As Nadal approaches his emotional farewell at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, his legacy will be defined not only by his impressive titles but also by the indelible mark he’s left on Babolat. The products he helped innovate have become symbols of excellence in tennis, embodying his commitment to the sport and the brand that has supported him every step of the way.

What’s Rafa’s choice of racket when it comes to certain matches?

Nadal’s racket journey with Babolat is a story of loyalty and evolution. It began in 1995 when he first picked up the Pure Drive as a junior. In January 2004, he switched to the Pure Aero Gen2, or Aeroprodrive, combining the power of the Pure Drive with the spin potential of an Aero frame. Over the years, Nadal embraced various generations of the Pure Aero, each enhancing his style—from improved vibration filtering in 2007 to graphite tungsten stability in 2010, and the aerodynamics of the sixth generation rebranded as the Pure Aero in 2016.

In 2023, he unveiled the Pure Aero Rafa Origin, designed for heavy spin and tailored to his specifications. Throughout his career, Nadal has used over 1,250 Babolat rackets without breaking any, along with 186 miles of RPM Blast string and over 54,000 feet of Babolat VS Original overgrip.

Now as the GOAT steps onto the Martin Carpena arena in Malaga, Spain, he carries more than just his tennis kit; he carries his entire legacy woven into every inch of it. This moment is special as he aims to give his all for Spain in the Davis Cup, a tournament where he has won five titles. Even with retirement looming, he finds comfort in finishing his career on his own terms, “coming full circle.”

Spain will face the Netherlands in the first quarter-final match, and while Nadal will compete in doubles this year, will his trusty Babolat racket lead him to victory one last time? Only time will tell!