Classic Photos of Rafael Nadal

SI Staff | May 8, 2014

Classic Photos of Rafael Nadal /

Classic Photos of Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi

Eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi says Rafael Nadal, and not Roger Federer, is the greatest tennis player of all-time. <italics>"I'd put Nadal number one and Federer number two,"</italics> Agassi said to Singapore's Straits Times newspaper, via aljazeera.com. Nadal has beaten Federer 23 times in their 33 all-time meetings, and Agassi said grand slam titles shouldn't be the only thing that decides who is the greatest ever. At just 27, Rafael Nadal already has 62 titles, including 13 Grand Slams, and more than 680 match victories. He turned pro in 2001, and it's been a fun ride since (notwithstanding the knee injuries that have plagued him through the years). Here are some photos of Nadal from over the past decade.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal meets Real Madrid star Raul during the Madrid Masters in 2003.

Rafael Nadal

The hair. Gotta love the hair.

Rafael Nadal

Sleeves and a collar? My, how things have changed. In his first main draw play at the U.S. Open, Nadal defeated Fernando Vicente before losing in the second round.

Rafael Nadal

Rafa benefited from a retirement in the first round of Barcelona, but lost to Alex Corretja in the second round.

Rafael Nadal

Love the reversed snap-hats. At a Babolat-sponsored event, Nadal and Carlos Moya play tennis in front of the Barcelona Cathedral.

Rafael Nadal

This has boy band written all over it. Nadal dropped Andy Roddick in four tough sets to help take Spain to Davis Cup glory.

Rafael Nadal

King of Clay? His talents extend to so many surfaces.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal made his first ATP Tour final in Auckland, losing to Dominik Hrbaty in three sets.

Rafael Nadal

A man of the people, Rafa signs an autograph in Madrid.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal won his first major at Roland Garros in 2005, knocking off Roger Federer in the semis.

Rafael Nadal

Headband, no sleeves, bulging biceps. Vintage Nadal.

Rafael Nadal

We'll reserve comment on this one.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal flexed his muscles in Paris and became the first to defeat Roger Federer in a Grand Slam tournament final.

Rafael Nadal

So much color. Nadal signs a portrait at The Laureus Charity Gala in Stuttgart, Germany.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal dropped Federer in the 2007 French Open final. He's already working on his model posing.

Rafael Nadal

At the "Grapple in the Apple," Nadal preps for his exhibition against Roger Federer. Don King's hair looks particularly tame.

Rafael Nadal

Mario Kart, tennis edition.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal survived a 4-hour, 48-minute test of wills against Roger Federer to win his first Wimbledon title.

Rafael Nadal

You know what Olympics mean? Bright-colored suits!

Rafael Nadal

Four years after winning his first major, Nadal captured his first title in Melbourne. Again taking on his nemesis Federer in a major final.

Rafael Nadal

Big names, big games, bright colors.

Rafael Nadal

Boris Becker hands Nadal the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award.

Rafael Nadal

BFF. Best Frenemies Forever.

Rafael Nadal

Gotta love the all-whites. So classic.

Rafael Nadal

After admitting he had lost passion for the game, Nadal rolls in the red dust after leading Spain to a Davis Cup title. That'll spark some energy.

Rafael Nadal

Come for the tennis, stay for the after-show.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal is much better on dirt than sand.

Rafael Nadal

FAKE-OUT! A wax figure of Nadal fools casual onlookers.

Rafael Nadal

Yowza, Nadal with Bar Refaeli in the 2012 SI Swimsuit edition.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal serves during his semifinal match against Tomas Berdych at the Italian Open.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal celebrates match point in his victory over Novak Djokovic in a semifinal of the French Open.

Published May 8, 2014

SI STAFF