Rafael Nadal is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of men’s tennis, rivalling Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
The Spaniard retired in 2024, bringing his 23-year career to an end and triggering an outpouring of emotion from his fans and peers.
Nadal won 22 Grand Slams during his esteemed career, including 14 on the red dirt of the French Open.
Before his last appearance at the French Open in 2024, Nadal said: “The French Open is the most important tournament of my tennis career. All the things that I lived there, enjoyed there, stays in my heart forever.”
The 39-year-old – a player whom Iga Swiatek ‘really misses’ – has now revealed his love for another ATP tournament in a conversation with American Football legend Tom Brady.
Rafael Nadal says he loved the US Open
Tom Brady is another sporting legend, having won a record seven Super Bowls during his time playing in America’s National Football League [NFL].
Brady and Nadal recently met at Monte Carlo Golf Club in Monaco, where they discussed the intricacies of their respective careers, Nadal’s greatest rivals, and how to deal with losing.
During their discussion on the E1 Series YouTube channel, Brady asked Nadal: “Outside of the French Open, what was your favourite tournament to play?”
Nadal replied: “I loved the US Open.
“Good energy. The beginning was tough for me but I started to enjoy a lot later in my career.”
Despite being a clay court specialist, Nadal was very successful at the US Open during his playing days, winning multiple titles at the event.
Rafael Nadal’s US Open record
Nadal’s first victory at the US Open came in 2003, when he defeated compatriot Fernando Vicente 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in the first round.
A year later, he again made the second round, before a third round appearance in 2004. In 2005, he reached the quarter-finals for the first time, losing to Mikhail Youzhny.
After a fourth round appearance in 2007, Nadal reached the semi-finals in back-to-back years in 2008 and 2009.
In 2010 he went two steps further, defeating Novak Djokovic 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 to win his maiden title at Flushing Meadows.
Rafael Nadal went on to win the title three more times: in 2013, 2017, and 2019.
| Year/Round | Result |
| 2003 | Second Round |
| 2004 | Second Round |
| 2005 | Third Round |
| 2006 | Quarter-final |
| 2007 | Fourth Round |
| 2008 | Semi-final |
| 2009 | Semi-final |
| 2010 | Champion |
| 2011 | Final |
| 2013 | Champion |
| 2015 | Third Round |
| 2016 | Fourth Round |
| 2017 | Champion |
| 2018 | Semi-final |
| 2019 | Champion |
| 2022 | Fourth Round |
His last appearance at the event occurred in 2022, when he was upset in the fourth round by American Frances Tiafoe.
