Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, decided to retire in 2024 after an incredible career spanning nearly three decades. His long-standing partnership with Babolat, which began when he was just 9 years old, became synonymous with success and innovation in tennis equipment. Nadal won 92 titles, including a record-breaking 22 Grand Slams: 14 Roland Garros, 2 Wimbledon, 4 US Open, and 2 Australian Open. With 36 Masters 1000 titles, 23 ATP 500 titles, and 10 ATP 250 titles, he demonstrated his dominance at all levels of tennis. Additionally, he secured two Olympic gold medals – in doubles in 2016 and singles in 2008.
His collaboration with Babolat started with the Pure Drive model, but soon his equipment required customization. In 2003, Babolat introduced the Pure Aero, a racquet that enabled Nadal’s iconic style of play with powerful topspin techniques. Nadal became a symbol of innovation in the tennis world, with products like the Babolat Pure Aero Rafa and Babolat RPM Blast, which are still available in stores.
Rafa and Babolat created a story of trust and shared success that will continue beyond his retirement, embodying values like dedication, perseverance, and the constant pursuit of excellence.
Throughout his extraordinary career, Rafael Nadal achieved the following key accomplishments:
- 92 titles in professional tennis, including:
- 22 Grand Slam titles (14 Roland Garros, 2 Wimbledon, 4 US Open, 2 Australian Open)
- 36 Masters 1000 titles
- 2 Olympic gold medals (Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016)
- Nadal’s partnership with Babolat has lasted since 1995, starting with the Pure Drive model, later evolving to the Pure Aero racquet designed for his unique topspin-heavy playing style.
- Over 25 years of collaboration, Nadal achieved:
- 125 bags (all carried on his right shoulder)
- 1,250 Pure Aero Rafa racquets (none broken)
- 16,500 m of Babolat VS Original Overgrip (each applied by Nadal himself)
- 300 km of Babolat RPM Blast strings (12,600 times the length of a tennis court)
- 56,250 minutes spent customizing his racquets, 490 times longer than a flight from Paris to Manacor.
Nadal’s achievements and his long-term collaboration with Babolat continue to be celebrated through products bearing his name.
