Rafael Nadal, more popularly known as ‘Rafa’, is currently the world’s number two tennis player, with three French Open Singles championships under his belt. He was also a two-time runner up in the singles championship at Wimbledon in 2006-2007.

Born in Manacor, Mallorca on June 3, 1986, Nadal was introduced to the sport by his uncle Toni, who also became his coach. He was only 12 when he decided to pursue a career in tennis, and by the time he was 14, was able to beat tennis pro Pat Cash in a clay court exhibition.

In 2002, Nadal won his first ATP match in Majorca against Ramon Delgado. At 15, he became the 9th player in the Open Era to win a match before reaching his 16th birthday. A year later this rookie sensation became the second-youngest player among the world’s top 100 singles players and was named ATP Newcomer of the Year.

He debuted in Wimbledon at 16, where he became the youngest male player to reach the third round since Boris Becker.

By 2005 he was holding the fifth spot in the rankings, making him the youngest player to do so since Andrei Medvedev. He was also the first teenager to win a Grand slam since Pete Sampras won at the US Open in 1990 at the age of 19. In 2006, Nadal beat rival Roger Federer for the Rome Masters title. He then moved on to break Guillermo Vilas’ record 53 winning streaks on clay, again playing opposite Federer. The Swiss champ eventually beat Nadal at the 2006 Wimbledon. Nadal returned the favour by wining the 2007 French Open.

With his massive forehand, flowing hair, and aggressive style, Nadal is easily one of the favourites among tennis fans, men, women, and children alike.