10 inspiring quotes by The King of Clay Rafael Nadal

As The King of Clay, Rafael Nadal turns 31, let's take a look at some of the inspirational quotes of the 14 time GS winner.

Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis player ever of the open era, celebrates his birthday today on 3rd June. (Graphics: Vijesh C K) 

At the age of 16, he became the youngest male (since Boris Becker) to reach the semifinals of the Boys' Singles tournament at Wimbledon.

Nadal was dubbed the 'King of Clay' soon after he won his first French Open, at the age of 19. His world ranking shot to No.3.

In 2008, Nadal's ranking shot to No.1 and he won his first Australian Open in 2010. His victory at the US Open in 2010 made him the second man to achieve the career Golden Slam.

In 2011, Nadal lost his No.1 ranking to Djokovic after losing in the Wimbledon final. Later, Nadal announced he was retiring from the 2012 Summer Olympics due to Knee injury.

2013 saw Nadal making a comeback by winning his eighth French Open titile. He lost straight sets at Wimbledon but surprised everyone by defeating Djokovic at US Open, propelling himself to the top raking spot.

Nadal won his ninth French Open in 2014, defeating Djokovic. The Championship marked his 14th win, making him the second all time along with Pete Sampras.

Nadal encountered a second round loss to Dustin Brown at Wimbledon and then to Fabio Fognini in the third round during US Open. He lost his streak of winning at least one Grand Slam title consecutively for 10 years.

Nadal kept suffering physical injuries but rebounded to win titles at Monte Carlo and Barcelona.