As Rafael Nadal prepares to play his final professional tennis tournament at the Davis Cup this week, we look back at the legendary Spaniard’s unparalleled career and the 22 Grand Slam singles titles that cement his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. While Nadal’s clay court prowess is unmatched, with a staggering 14 French Open crowns, his brilliance extended to all surfaces as he amassed major titles in Melbourne, London, and New York. Join us as we rank all 22 of Rafa’s Grand Slam triumphs, from his breakout win as a teenage sensation to his unforgettable epics against career-long rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
The French Open Reign Begins (2005-2008)
Nadal announced his arrival as a clay court phenom by capturing his first French Open title in 2005 at the age of 19. He would go on to win the next three editions as well, including commanding victories over Roger Federer in the 2006 and 2007 finals. His unique style, featuring incredible topspin and unrelenting physicality, proved nearly unbeatable on the Parisian clay.
“What Nadal has achieved on clay is the greatest achievement in any sport, in my opinion.”
– Tennis legend John McEnroe
A Budding Rivalry Takes Center Stage (2008 Wimbledon)
In a match many consider the greatest of all time, Nadal ended Federer’s five-year reign at Wimbledon in a 9-7 fifth set classic that lasted nearly five hours. The contrast in styles and personalities made the Federer-Nadal rivalry one for the ages.
Battling Djokovic and More French Feats (2010-2014)
As Nadal continued his unprecedented dominance at Roland Garros, winning five straight titles from 2010-2014, a new rival emerged in Novak Djokovic. The two produced memorable French Open battles, including Nadal’s 2013 semifinal triumph in a 9-7 fifth set.
- Nadal’s French Open Finals Wins (2005-2014)
- 2005 def. Mariano Puerta
- 2006 def. Roger Federer
- 2007 def. Roger Federer
- 2008 def. Roger Federer
- 2010 def. Robin Soderling
- 2011 def. Roger Federer
- 2012 def. Novak Djokovic
- 2013 def. David Ferrer
- 2014 def. Novak Djokovic
One Last Charge (2022 Australian and French Opens)
In a surprising late-career resurgence, a 35-year-old Nadal captured two more major titles in 2022, coming back from a two-set deficit to defeat Daniil Medvedev in an epic Australian Open final, then winning his 14th French Open by overwhelming first-time finalist Casper Ruud. These victories broke his tie with Djokovic and Federer, giving Nadal the all-time men’s record of 22 Grand Slam singles crowns.
The Greatest Match Ever Played (2008 Wimbledon)
While all 22 of Nadal’s major titles have their merits, his unforgettable win over Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final stands above the rest. The level of tennis was sublime, the momentum swings were captivating, and the historical significance of Nadal winning on Federer’s favorite court made it a match for the ages. Nadal saved 12 of 13 break points in the match, ultimately prevailing 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (8-10), 9-7 as darkness fell on Centre Court.
As one of the greatest tennis players of all time hangs up his racket, his astonishing legacy of 22 Grand Slam titles will endure. From his French Open dominance to his epic rivalries with Federer and Djokovic, Nadal’s career has produced some of the greatest tennis matches the world has ever seen. While the 2008 Wimbledon final tops our list, each of Rafa’s major victories holds a special place in tennis history.
