August 17, 2008: Nadal Wins Olympic Gold in Beijing

On this day in 2008, Rafael Nadal achieved one of the most significant milestones of his career by winning the gold medal in men’s singles tennis at the Beijing Olympics. In a commanding performance, Nadal defeated Chile’s Fernando González in straight sets, 6–3, 7–6(7–2), 6–3, securing his place among the sport’s all-time greats.

Nadal’s victory in Beijing came during what many consider the peak of his career. Earlier that year, Nadal had already made history by winning his fourth consecutive French Open title and claiming his first Wimbledon crown in an epic five-set final against Roger Federer, widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in tennis history. With these victories, Nadal not only asserted his dominance on clay but also proved his prowess on grass, solidifying his status as a versatile and unstoppable force in the sport.

The win in Beijing added a prestigious Olympic gold medal to Nadal’s growing list of accomplishments, making him the second male tennis player to achieve a Career Golden Slam (all four Grand Slam titles plus an Olympic gold medal) when he completed it by winning the US Open in 2010. Andre Agassi was the first to achieve this feat, and Novak Djokovic joined this elite group in 2024. Nadal’s triumph in the Olympics was a testament to his incredible work ethic, physical endurance, and mental toughness—qualities that have defined his career.

Born on June 3, 1986, in Mallorca, Spain, Rafael Nadal showed early promise as a tennis player, turning professional at just 14 years old. By 2005, at the age of 19, Nadal had already won his first Grand Slam title at the French Open, quickly earning the nickname “King of Clay” for his dominance on the surface. Over his career, he would go on to win an astonishing 14 French Open titles, a record that may never be broken. His rivalry with Roger Federer during the late 2000s and early 2010s captivated the tennis world, with their contrasting styles and sportsmanship making for some of the most memorable matches in the sport’s history.

Nadal’s victory at the Beijing Olympics not only added an Olympic gold medal to his résumé but also signaled the beginning of a new era in men’s tennis. He would later add another Olympic gold to his collection by winning the men’s doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics alongside his partner Marc López. His relentless pursuit of excellence, humility on and off the court, and passion for the game have made him a beloved figure in sports worldwide.

As of 2024, Nadal has won 22 Grand Slam singles titles, second only to Novak Djokovic, who holds the record with 24. Nadal’s legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is firmly established, and his Olympic gold from August 17, 2008, remains a defining moment in his illustrious career.