| Sometimes referred to as 'Rafa,' Rafael Nadal | | | | Even though Rafael Nadal is right-handed, he |
| is a native of Spain who has made a large | | | | plays left-handed and produces a backhand |
| impact in the world of tennis. Born June 3, | | | | using both. As with most top athletes in |
| 1986 in Manacor, Mallorca, Rafael Nadal is | | | | their sport, Rafael Nadal is managed by IMG |
| the son of Sebastian and Ana Maria Nadal. | | | | and is frequently found in Nike attire. |
| His sister, Maria Isabel, is five years | | | | |
| younger than Rafael and is his only sibling. | | | | Fans who would like to request a signed photo |
| Standing 6'1" and weighing 178 lbs, Rafael | | | | or simply send Rafael Nadal their best wishes |
| Nadal became a professional tennis player in | | | | are urged to do so in care of his |
| 2001 after having played since 4 years of | | | | professional affiliation. If you are |
| age. Fans should not let this young age fool | | | | requesting an autograph, be sure to include a |
| them as Rafael Nadal nabbed his first | | | | SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) along |
| championship at only 8 years of age. | | | | with your request. Popular items to have |
| | | | signed include blank index cards and |
| Under the guidance and teaching of Toni | | | | photographs. It is recommended that fans not |
| Nadal, his uncle, Rafael Nadal began learning | | | | send any item that they cannot afford to |
| to play tennis very early in life as is | | | | lose, such as prized possessions and/or |
| evident from his early championship. Toni, | | | | limited edition collectibles. As with all |
| who remains Rafael's coach, is a very | | | | mailed autograph requests, there is no |
| important part of this youngster's success. | | | | guarantee of a reply. For this reason, many |
| In 2003, Rafael Nadal earned the ATP Newcomer | | | | fans simply prefer to request a signed photo. |
| of the Year award. In 2005, he won 11 titles | | | | Depending on the athlete's schedule, |
| and also captured recognition as the 'Most | | | | autographs may be authentic, secretarial, |
| Improved Player' for 2005 as named by the | | | | pre-printed or even impossible to provide. |
| ATP. | | | | Patience is the key to requesting autographs |
| | | | by mail, especially when you are talking |
| In June 2006, Rafael Nadal won his second | | | | about an athlete as popular as Rafael Nadal. |
| Roland Garros crown and also scored his 100th | | | | Letters and requests should be mailed to: |
| claycourt career victory. That same month, | | | | |
| Rafael Nadal turned 20 and ended his teenage | | | | Rafael Nadal |
| years with great success. It was during | | | | |
| these years that Rafael Nadal won 16 career | | | | ATP Tennis |
| titles, which tied the record for the most | | | | |
| titles won by a teenager. | | | | 201 ATP Blvd. |
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