Meet Rafael Nadal: Argentina's 16-year-old tennis talent who shares name with Spanish legend

A young tennis player from Argentina is making headlines because of his name and his growing talent. His name is Rafael Nadal, yes, just like the famous Spanish tennis legend, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles. The 16-year-old player is from Ricardone, a small town in the Santa Fe province.

Young Rafael Nadal was born in 2009, the same year when the original Nadal won his first Australian Open title. Like his namesake, the young Nadal is left-handed and loves to play on clay courts. His biggest dream is to win the Roland Garros (French Open), just like Nadal, who won it a record 14 times.

“We liked it and at nine we went to train at San Lorenzo. Only at 12 did we start to compete. I am also left-handed, with a two-handed backhand and aggressive, better on clay. I watch a lot of tennis and my idol is Nadal, always,” Nadal was quoted as saying to ESPN Tennis.

Who is Argentina’s Rafael Nadal?

Argentina’s Rafael Nadal started playing tennis when he was just four years old, along with his twin brother Antonio. Their father is a big fan of the Spanish Rafael Nadal and named his sons after him and his famous coach, Toni Nadal. There is also a distant family connection to Mallorca, the hometown of the Spanish star.

“My dad is a fan of Nadal, in 2008 he travelled with my great-grandfather to Mallorca and they were received by his grandparents. He was also with Nadal at Roland Garros that year. Now the relationship is lost. There is a family link, but it is very distant; my great-grandparents are also from there, from Manacor [in Mallorca]. My great-grandfather was named Antonio, and my great-great-grandfather, Rafael,” he added.

So far, the young Nadal has played 97 matches, winning 51 and losing 46. As per ESPN Tennis, he trains with his brother and cousin under three different coaches. In March 2025, he beat his brother Antonio at the O2 Open in Rosario, winning 6-3, 6-2. He now plans to play in more PRO Tour events and national tournaments this year.

“I am starting to play on the PRO Tour, I intend to compete more. This year I want to play nationals and compete at a higher level. I want to be professional.”

Nadal said that even though his hero is the Spanish legend, he also admires Novak Djokovic. He also follows players like Juan Martin del Potro, Fran Cerundolo, Jack Draper, and Carlos Alcaraz. Even though he has a very famous name, he said he does not feel any pressure.

“Novak Djokovic is the best in history. But I like Nadal more. In Argentine tennis, my reference has always been Juan Martín del Potro. Fran Cerúndolo, Jack Draper, who is also left-handed, and  Carlos Alcaraz are the three players I watch most currently,” Nadal said.

“I dream of winning Roland Garros. I don’t mind carrying this name. I live it with peace of mind.”