2021
Blew two-set lead against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Australian Open quarterfinals, then
lost to Djokovic in the French Open semifinals. Played only two matches the rest of the year because of
chronic pain in his left foot.
2022
Moved into sole possession of the record for most Grand Slam singles titles, one ahead of Federer, by
claiming No. 21 at the Australian Open, coming back to beat Daniil Medvedev after dropping the first two sets.
Got No. 22 at the French Open, where he overcame what he said was debilitating pain in his left foot to lift the trophy for the 14th time by beating Casper Ruud in the final. That made Nadal, at 36, the oldest champion in tournament history and improved his career record at the clay-court major to 112-3.
Pulled out of Wimbledon before semifinals because of torn abdominal muscle; lost in the fourth round of the
U.S. Open to Frances Tiafoe.
2023
Lost in the
second round of the Australian Open to Mackie McDonald while dealing with a left hip flexor injury. It's Nadal's earliest Grand Slam loss in seven years. He
didn’t play the rest of the year and had hip surgery in June.
2024
Nadal gave it one last go. But he missed three Grand Slam tournaments and endured a series of defeats. He got a tough draw at his beloved French Open and he
lost in the first round to eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev. At the Paris Olympics, contested at Roland Garros, Nadal was eliminated by Djokovic in the second round of singles, then
bowed out in the doubles quarterfinals alongside Carlos Alcaraz. On Oct. 10, Nadal announced that his last professional appearance will be competing for Spain at the Davis Cup. Spain opens play on Nov. 19 in Malaga, Spain.
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Howard Fendrich has been the AP's tennis writer since 2002. Follow him on Twitter at
https://twitter.com/HowardFendrich