July 31 2009
Rafael "Rafa" Nadal

Rafael "Rafa" Nadal Parera (born 3 June 1986) is a former World No. 1 Spanish professional tennis player, currently ranked #2. Nadal has won six Grand Slam singles titles, and the 2008 Olympic gold medal in singles.
Nadal was ranked World Number #1 from 18 August 2008 to 5 July 2009. In 2009, he became the first player to simultaneously hold Grand Slam titles on clay, grass, and hardcourt. Nadal is considered by many to be one of the greatest male singles tennis players of all time.

Nadal was ranked World No. 2, behind Roger Federer for a record 160 weeks before earning the top spot. He has subsequently lost this position again to Federer following the Swiss player's triumph at the Madrid Masters (where Federer beat him in the final), French Open and Wimbledon. In 2008, he was given the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports, in recognition of his achievements in tennis.

After his surprise defeat at Roland Garros, Nadal withdrew from the pre-Wimbledon AEGON Championships, which takes place at Queen's Club. It was confirmed that Nadal was suffering from tendinitis in both of his knees. After traveling to London to practice on grass courts, Nadal competed in two exhibition matches at the Hurlingham Club, losing to Lleyton Hewitt 6–4 6–3, and to Stanislas Wawrinka 4–6, 7–6, 10–8. On June 19, Nadal withdrew from the 2009 Wimbledon Championship, citing his recurring knee injury. He is the first champion to not defend the title since Goran Ivaniševic in 2001. Roger Federer went on to win the title, and Nadal consequently dropped back to World No. 2 on July 6 2009. Nadal has also announced his withdrawal from the Davis Cup. Nadal is planning his comeback for the ATP World Tour 1000 Montreal which begins August 10, 2009.