How Rafael Nadal lost the biggest trophy of his career in 2005 and how it was replaced four years later

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The legendary Spaniard won countless titles during his time on the ATP Tour although one may be more memorable than the others.

During his 20+ year stint as a professional, Nadal picked up 92 titles, the fifth most of any player in the Open Era.

The 38-year-old won his first ATP title in Poland 21 years ago, taking down Argentina’s Jose Acasuno, 6-3, 6-4, on the clay.

His 92nd and final title came at his most successful tournament, the French Open, as Nadal secured his 14th Roland Garros crown in 2022.

Nadal retired from tennis following Spain’s exit from the 2024 Davis Cup, as he was honored by his home fans in Malaga.

He’ll now have plenty of time to look back and reminisce about his 92 title wins, although one particular victory in 2005 may bring back more memories than the others.

Rafael Nadal lost his 2005 Acapulco trophy before it was replaced at the ATP Finals four years later

When Nadal traveled to Acapulco for the Mexican Open in 2005, he did so as a two-time tour-level champion, having won in Poland one year earlier, and Brazil earlier in the month.

A title in Acapulco, then an International Gold [ATP 500] event, would’ve been the biggest of his career, as he looked to spring several upsets as the number eight seed.

Nadal dominated the field in Mexico, as he clinched the title with five straight sets victories.

With a convincing 6-1, 6-0 victory over Albert Montanes, Nadal lifted the traditional giant silver gourd trophy high on Acapulco’s Center Court.

Having just won the biggest title of his career, Nadal and his team chose to celebrate, a decision that proved costly, as he explained years later.

“So, that year, who knows why, we decided to go partying after the final,” he said.

“The next day, we had to take a flight because I had to go to Slovakia for the Davis Cup.

“For some reason, we decided to drive from here to CDMX [Mexico City], there, the traffic was horrible and we were very late.

“We almost missed the flight, but when we left the car, we were in a hurry, without thinking.

“We left the trophy there and never found it.”

Years passed without an Acapulco trophy for Nadal before his fortunes remarkably turned at the ATP Finals in 2009.

Entering the event as the number two seed, Nadal had high hopes in London 16 years ago but lost all three matches.

It was after his defeat to Robin Soderling, that the Spaniard was given some positive news, however, as Acapulco tournament director Raul Zurutuza arrived at the venue with a gift.

Having heard that Nadal had ‘misplaced’ his 2005 Acapulco trophy, he brought a golden replacement for the Spaniard.

The now 22-time Major champion gave a hilarious response to receiving the gift after the fact.

“Well, at least I’ll win a trophy today,” he said.

Did Rafael Nadal ever win the Mexican Open again after 2005?

The legendary Spanish star enjoyed three further successes in Acapulco upon receiving his ‘golden trophy’ in 2009.

• 2013 – Beat David Ferrer in the final, 6-0, 6-2
• 2020 – Beat Taylor Fritz in the final, 6-3, 6-2
• 2022 – Beat Cameron Norrie in the final, 6-4, 6-4

Nadal won the penultimate title of his career in Mexico three years ago, as he took down Cameron Norrie in straight sets to lift the trophy.

He had won the Australian Open one month earlier and was enjoying a blistering start to his 2022 campaign.

When Nadal retired from tennis last year, he did so as a four-time Mexican Open champion, a number matched by just two players; Thomas Muster and his fellow Spaniard, David Ferrer.