- Nadal, 39, retired from the ATP circuit in 2024
Tennis fans have called for Rafael Nadal to address his new ‘look’ after a viral photo revealed the extent to which the sporting icon is losing his hair.
Nadal, 39, previously underwent treatment to restore his hair in 2016 and was rumoured to have had a second procedure in 2022.
But as many men can relate to, it appears Father Time has caught up with the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
Some supporters on social media urged the Spanish legend to consider heading to Turkey – which has become known as a destination for people seeking hair transplants – before he turns 40 next June.
‘Bro I’m sorry, but what even happened to Nadal, just get that Türkey hair transplant,’ one posted on X after seeing the image of Nadal with a young player visiting his academy in Mallorca.
‘There comes a point in life where you just need to book that flight (to Turkey) or shave it off,’ said another.
Tennis fans have called for Rafael Nadal to address his new ‘look’ after a photo (above) revealed the extent to which the sporting icon is losing his hair
Nadal is pictured after winning the French Open in 2005. The ‘King of Clay’ went on to win a staggering 14 Grand Slams at Roland Garros
Earlier this month, Nadal received an honorary doctorate from the University of Salamanca (pictured) for his services to the sport
‘His hair is cooked,’ a third wrote.
‘Power to the GOAT not wanting to get a hair transplant! With that money I sure would,’ another commenter said.
The feedback wasn’t all negative, with others feeling Nadal would resemble fellow tennis legend Andre Agassi if he went to the barber or bought some hair clippers.
Agassi shaved all his hair off once his baldness started becoming more apparent.
‘Bald Rafa??? Would be fire,’ one fan said.
‘Agassi hair incoming,’ added another.
After turning professional at 14, Nadal won his first French Open title in 2005.
He was virtually unbeatable across his career at Roland Garros, winning the Slam a staggering 14 times.
Nadal retired from the sport last year after representing Spain in the Davis Cup for a final time.
Earlier this month, Nadal received an honorary doctorate from the University of Salamanca for his services to the sport.
Impossible to miss in a blue mortarboard, Nadal spoke of his sporting journey, which didn’t include much time in a classroom as a teenager due to his on-court talent.
‘It makes me so proud and grateful to receive the title of Honoris Causa from the oldest University in Spain and one of the oldest in the world; a place where since the 18th century, humanism, critical thinking and intellectual freedom have illuminated the whole of humanity,’ he said in a prepared speech.
‘As you all know, I did not follow a traditional academic education like most of you here; my education was different.
‘My life was played out at tournaments and on tennis courts, travelling the five continents, competing and learning from the sport and from the experiences that came with all of that.
‘Therefore, this recognition is not only a privilege for me, it is also a demonstration of respect for sport and what it represents to society.’
