Rafael Nadal has reached the finals of the 2022 French Open, as the king of clay attempts to win his 22nd Grand Slam title. Currently, he has the most number of wins among men in the Open Era. The left-handed maestro has already bested contemporaries Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, each of who have 20 titles to their name. 

Here’s a look at the 36-year-old’s career-defining moments. 

Everybody remembers their first – French Open 2005

A 19-year-old Rafael Nadal stepped out to win his first Grand Slam after a 17 match undefeated streak and winning the French Open after beating Roger Federer. 

Two in hand is worth…The 2008 Wimbledon final

Nadal faced Federer again in the Wimbledon final, as the Spaniard and the Swiss man duked it out for 4 hours and 48 minutes. The game, which was interrupted by rain, saw Nadal win 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 6-7 (8-10), and 9-7.

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After Borg’s achievement in 1980, Nadal became the first player to win the French Open and Wimbledon Grand Slams in the same year. 

Master of courts – The 2010 treble 

No court was unvanquishable for Nadal in 2010, as he had victories on grass, clay and hard courts. Winning the US Open allowed the Spaniard to win his first US Open title and join the league of players who have all the four Grand Slams. 

Age no bar – French Open 2017 

Nadal’s success at Roland Garros continued despite rescheduling and rain. He beat Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5, becoming the oldest player to have 15 Grand Slams. 

Persistence of time – US Open 2019 

Nadal nearly went five hours at a stretch for his sixth US Open final, where he beat Djokovic to become the second oldest professional player, at the age of 33, to win the title. 

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The first had been Australia’s Ken Rosewall, who won at the age of 35, back in 1970.