Rafael Nadal Biography

Every time I watch young Spaniard, Rafael Nadal, I am amazed the young phenom is barely 20-years-old. Unlike his female counterparts, where greatness has been achieved by several former or current players who were still in their teenage years, it usually takes a young man quite a few more years to develop into a world-class professional. 

Having said that, I have to admit that Nadal has made the leap to stardom almost as fast as any young male player – barring Boris Becker – ever. Here is a look at Nadal’s career and my brief prediction on what the future may hold for the fiery youngster. Nadal he won his first ATP match in 2002 at the age of 15, defeating Ramon Delgado to become the ninth player in the Open Era to win an ATP match before his 16th birthday. 

In 2003, Nadal became the second-youngest player to be ranked among the world's top 100 singles players and finished the year in the top 50. At his Wimbledon debut in 2003, Nadal became the youngest player (at age 16) to reach the 3rd round since 16-year-old Boris Becker in 1984. 

Nadal’s game – and success – really took off in 2005 however. By May of 2005, Nadal’s rapid progression helped him to reach the top five in the world rankings, becoming the youngest player to break into the Top 10 since Andrei Medvedev in 1993. 

Nadal also won two ATP Masters Series events to go along with a 24 consecutive match winning streak during early 2005 - the longest winning streak of any teenager in the Open Era - topping Andre Agassi's run of 23 matches in 1988. In his French Open debut, Nadal defeated the world’s No. 1 player, Roger Federer, in the semifinals on his 19th birthday. Two days later, sporting his trademark white Nike head band, sleeveless shirt, and three-quarter length 'pirata' trousers, he became the fourth-youngest Roland Garros champion in the Open Era defeating Argentina's Mariano Puerta in the final.