From correspondents in Paris
Fox Sports, Reuters
6 June, 2005
RAFAEL Nadal has announced himself to the world with a stunning clay court season, but just what is the teenage Spanish sensation's story?
Born: June 3, 2024 in Manacor, Mallorca, Spain
Turned professional: 2002
2001
Reaches second round at a second-tier Challenger event in Seville, aged 15.
Wins his first senior match on the ATP circuit in Mallorca, becoming the ninth player in the Open era to win an ATP match before his 16th birthday.
2003
Finishes in the top 50 for the first time.
Qualifies for his first Masters Series event in Monte Carlo, losing to eventual finalist Guillermo Coria of Argentina in the third round.
Misses the French Open after sustaining an elbow injury in practice.
Makes Wimbledon debut, at 17 the youngest player to reach the third round since a 16-year-old Boris Becker in 1984.
Makes his US. Open debut, losing in the second round.
2004
May: Misses French Open again, this time because of a stress fracture in his left ankle.
August: Breaks through by winning his first ATP title in Sopot, defeating Argentine Jose Acasuso in the final.
December: Defeats Andy Roddick in four sets to help Spain beat the United States in the Davis Cup final. Becomes the youngest player, at 18 years and six months, to win a singles match in the Davis Cup final.
2005
January: Reaches the fourth round of the Australia Open, losing to eventual runner-up Lleyton Hewitt in five sets.
March: Advances to the final of the Miami Masters Series tournament, losing in five sets to world No.1 Roger Federer.
April: After winning titles in Salvador and Acapulco, he wins his first Masters Series event in Monte Carlo, defeating Coria in the final. Wins his fourth title of the year the following week in Barcelona.
May: Wins his second Masters Series title in Rome with another final victory over Coria. Enters the French Open for the first time on a 17-match winning streak on clay.
June: Becomes first man since Swede Mats Wilander in 1982 to win the French Open title on debut with a four-set win over Argentine Mariano Puerta.
Reuters
**Please do not reproduce without giving credit to the original source and VamosRafael.com.**
Return to VamosRafael.com.
Return to VamosRafael.com Articles
.
