Rafael Nadal Archives

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays his match against Bjorn Phau of Germany during Day 1 of the 2008 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens, New York on Monday.

The Wimbledon and French Open champ at one point needed to bandage a nasty blister, but eventually won 7-6 (4), 6-3, 7-6 (4).

“I think I need the (crowd) support a little bit this year,” the 22-year-old said. “(But) I still believe it’s an advantage if you know how to win a US Open. It’s a tough tournament to win.”

10+ more pics inside of Rafael Nadal taking on the U.S. Open…

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Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer face off at “Grapple in the Apple” presented by Nike at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Thursday in New York City.

Nadal and Federer both took questions at “Grapple in the Apple,” which was hosted by boxing promoter Don King. The two tennis rivals have met in the finals of the last two Grand Slam events.

“These years I have always had one person in front of me, better than me in everything,” said Nadal. “So when I look to Roger in front of me all the time, having better forehand, better backhand.”

“This is definitely one of the great, great rivalries I’ve been in,” said Federer. “And I mean he’s definitely been also the one who has been pushing me the hardest to improve as a player and stay ahead of him. But you know, he got me in the end, but obviously I’m going to try to get it back.”

20+ more pics inside of Rafael Nadal Grappling in the Apple…

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Spain’s Rafael Nadal takes the Fall Fashion 2008 cover of NY Magazine wearing next to nothing. Great fashion!

On Sunday, the 22-year-old tennis champ swept past Roger Federer to seize the world No. 1 tennis ranking. The Beijing gold medalist also became the only Spaniard to win a gold medal at the Olympics Games.

“For the sportsman, the Olympic Games are more important than anything,” he said. “Nowhere in my best dreams I can imagine something like what I did this year. I am playing an unbelievable season, no doubt. The feeling for sure is very happy for being No. 1, but the feeling doesn’t change too much because the last years I did very well, too.”

To see the shirtless slideshow of Nadal’s latest photoshoot, visit NYMag.com.

Rafael Nadal is spotted on the beach playing games during a vacation with his girlfriend Xisca and friends in Mallorca, Spain on Saturday.

Roger Federer and Rafael are expected to be in Toronto next week for the July 21-27 Rogers Cup and the following week at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters in Cincinnati. Both are Masters Series events, and top players are required to enter.

“You write what you want,” Federer said after being asked about potentially losing his number one spot.

“I’m going to try and win the Olympics and the US Open and then we can talk again.”

More pics of Rafael Nadal being beach buff…

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Spanish tennis player and 2008 Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal relaxes by playing golf with a friend in his homeland, Mallorca, Spain, on Wednesday.

Sports Illustrated has estimated Nadal’s total 2007 earnings, including endorsements, at $35.1 million.

Rafael, 22, currently has agreements with apparel maker Nike Inc., car company Kia Motors Corp., Spanish bank Banco Espanol de Credito SA; closely-held Grupo Valentin’s watch-maker Time Force and L’Oreal SA hair products maker.

Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael are the first players to qualify for the season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai in November.

10+ more pics of Rafael Nadal putting in pink…

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Spanish tennis player and 2008 Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal takes a breather with his girlfriend, Maria Francisca Perello on the beach of Mallorca on Monday.

Raf, 22, now has five career Grand Slam titles, including his four consecutive French Open wins.

With his recent win at Wimbledon, and given Federer’s recent court struggles, many people feel that the reign of Roger Federer is over.

DO YOU THINK that Rafa is now the king of tennis — YAY or NAY?

10+ pictures of Rafael Nadal and his bikini babe… More Here! »

Rafael Nadal holds up the Wimbledon trophy after winning his first title on Sunday, ending Roger Federer’s five-year reign. At four hours and 48 minutes, it was the longest final in Wimbledon history.

Nadal, 22, prevailed after winning two sets, losing two sets and then finally winning fifth match at 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7. He became the first man to win the French Open (also against Federer) and Wimbledon in the same year since Bjorn Borg in 1980.

After his winning match point at Wimbledon, Nadal fell to the ground and started to cry. He then pulled himself together and ran up into the stands to hug his parents and his uncle/coach Toni Nadal. Touching moment.

¡FELICIDADES, NADAL!

FYI: Venus Williams defeated younger sister Serena in straight sets: 7–5, 6–4. Together, they dominated in doubles over Lisa Raymond and Samantha Stosur: 6–2, 6–2.

85+ pictures inside of Rafael Nadal winning Wimbledon 2008… More Here! »