Rafael Nadal was only 19 years old when he won the first Grand Slam of his career at Roland Garros in 2005. The Spanish phenomenon has won the Paris Grand Slam 13 times but has shown that it can also stand out from the sand.
The former world number 1 also has two titles at Wimbledon and one at the Australian Open in his shop window, not forgetting his four triumphs at the US Open. By winning Roland Garros in 2020, the Mallorcan won his 20th birthday.
Grand Slam and thus achieved Roger Federer’s record after a very long chase. In a recent interview during the Alvarez Cafe Show, Rafa revealed that his first success at Roland Garros wasn’t the biggest challenge of his career.
According to the Manacor legend, the 2011 and 2020 triumphs were even more difficult due to the unprecedented circumstances. That year, the French Open took place in the fall due to the global pandemic that forced organizers to postpone the tournament to October.
Nadal on the levels of difficulty of his various slam titles
“My first title there is not the most complicated or surprising in my opinion,” said Rafael Nadal. “In 2005 I definitely started to stand out.
I had already won in Brazil, Acapulco, the finals in Miami, Barcelona and Rome. When I got to Roland Garros, I was young, but also one of the favorites. And young age gives you the confidence and boldness you need.
This year I had to save energy. “During the interview, Rafael Nadal was also asked why he decided to pursue tennis as a career. The Spaniard announced that his uncle Toni had been teaching since he was three and explained how the sport was becoming increasingly important to him.
“I also played football,” said Nadal. “Tennis because my uncle was a coach. I started when I was three, once a week or so. I kept playing and until I was 13 years old I also played soccer.
Then not anymore because I had to learn. As with many people, there are circumstances that will help you find your way, and that was mine. “It also sealed a new deal with the South Korean automaker and tied it to the company until 2025.
“Personally, I will use some of the positive aspects that I have been able to live with this year to win RG (Roland-Garros) again or to extend my partnership with KIA until 2025. This is very special to me as we have been together for almost a lifetime and are about to celebrate their silver anniversary, ”says the Spaniard.
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