When Rafael Nadal joined Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic in ‘Club 300’

Rafael Nadal had ups and downs in 2022. The Spaniard made a perfect start to the season (20-0) and claimed the opening two Major crowns for the first time in a career. Nadal claimed his 14th Roland Garros title and reached the Wimbledon semi-final before an abdominal injury ruined the rest of his season. Rafa is the only player with 22 Major titles, and he secured more notable achievements in the season behind us. Nadal made a strong start at his beloved Major in Paris despite foot issues. The Spaniard found himself in the last 16 for the 17th time from 18 trips to the French capital, scoring three wins and entering history books.

Rafa made his Major debut at Wimbledon 2003. He passed two obstacles and became one of the youngest players in the third round in the cathedral of tennis. Two years later, Nadal claimed his first Major crown at Roland Garros a couple of days after turning 19, writing history as the last teenager with a Major trophy before Carlos Alcaraz. Rafa has been among the players to beat at the most significant scene in the past 18 seasons, improving his game and rising above injuries to remain competitive in the GOAT race. Nadal has won at least one Major title in 15 seasons, owning several outstanding records at the highest level. The Spaniard delivered his milestone 300th Major win in the Roland Garros second round last year, becoming the third player to achieve that after Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Rafael Nadal earned his 300th Major victory at last year’s Roland Garros.

Rafa earned the landmark victory against Corentin Moutet during the night session on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Nadal defeated Moutet 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 to join Federer and Djokovic in a massive achievement. Rafa got broken twice and delivered seven breaks from 12 opportunities to enter the exclusive ‘Club 300.’ Rafa fired 27 winners and 22 unforced errors and forged the victory in the mid-range exchanges from five to eight shots. The Spaniard grabbed an early break in the encounter’s second game after Moutet’s double fault. Both players served well after that, and Nadal held at 30 in game nine for 6-3.

Rafa fired a forehand crosscourt winner in the second set’s first game to extend the advantage. He broke again at 2-0 with a forehand down the line winner and held in the next one for 4-0, doing everything right in those moments. Rafa placed a drop shot winner in the seventh game to deliver his third break and move 6-3, 6-1 up in 80 minutes. Corentin broke at the beginning of the third set and moved 2-0 ahead for some boost. However, he netted a forehand in the fourth game to lose serve and bring Rafa back to 2-2. Nadal built the advantage with a break at love in game eight after a volley winner at the net. The Spaniard served for the victory at 5-3 but netted a backhand to get broken and prolong the battle. Corentin got a second chance, but it was not to be for him, as Rafa broke him at 15 in game ten to seal the deal and celebrate a massive achievement.