In the years that followed, Nadal worked to improve his all-court game and his serve, and his results away from clay improved. He missed the Australian Open in 2006 but won his second Roland Garros title before reaching that year’s Wimbledon final and U.S. Open quarters. Roger Federer schooled him on Centre Court, winning the first set 6-0.

Most famous for his dominance on clay, Nadal won a record 14 French Open championships. He won his first in 2005 ... hoping for any edge.” He also added: “Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it ...

A glorious sporting career came to a close in front of roaring home fans, as an emotional Rafael Nadal bid farewell to tennis. Nadal lost 6-4. 6-4 to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp at the Davis Cup quarterfinals in Malaga in what proved to be his final competitive match as Spain went down 1-2 against Netherlands: