All about Rafael Nadal, the oldest French Open winner

Spain’s Rafael Nadal won the French Open final by defeating Oslo-born Casper Rudd 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 on Sunday. The win marks his 22nd Grand Slam title, the highest in the history of tennis. 

With the win, the 36-year-old became the oldest French Open winner. 

Who is Rafael Nadal?

Rafael Nadal is a Spanish tennis player and former world number one in men’s singles. Nobody in the men’s circuit has won more Grand Slams than him (22).

He began his tennis career in 2001. He has won one Australian Open, two Wimbledon, four US Open and 14 French Open titles. He has also won two Olympic gold medals.

Nadal is a left-handed player, with a two-handed backhand. He is currently coached by former player Carlos Moya. He is called the ‘king of clay’ in the tennis fraternity. He has been ranked number one in the ATP for 209 weeks and finished as the year-end number one five times.

He was first coached under his uncle Tony Nadal. Nadal was born right-handed and is also naturally right so for various activities such as writing, throwing darts, which was seen in a promotional event by Nike, and many other activities. His uncle Tonis told Tennis Magazine that, at an early age, Nadal used both his hands while playing, while using one of them to direct. 

“I had the impression that he was stronger on his left side than on his right side. So, I figured that he was left-handed; it is as simple as that”, said Toni. 

Also Read: What is the Mueller-Weiss Syndrome, Nadal’s major handicap?

Nadal was born on June 3, 1986, in Mallorca. His uncle Miguel Angel Nadal is a former footballer who played for RCD Mallorca, FC Barcelona and Spain. Nadal is an avid fan of football and is often seen playing football during his training. He supports the football club Real Madrid.