After considerable progress in 2003, Rafael Nadal was ready for an even stronger charge the following season. The 17-year-old reached the first ATP final in Auckland early in the 2004 season and advanced to the third round of the Australian Open.
Rafa stunned world number 1 Roger Federer in straight sets in Miami and made a name for himself. The young Spaniard marched towards the top-30 before picking up a left ankle injury against Richard Gasquet in Estoril that halted his progress.
Nadal missed Roland Garros and Wimbledon and returned in July in Bastad. After quarterfinals in Sweden and Stuttgart, Rafa experienced early losses in Canada and Cincinnati and returned to Europe to participate in a small ATP 250 event in Sopot on clay.
The youngster went all the way against opponents from outside the top-80 to lift the first ATP crown. Nadal became the youngest ATP champion since Lleyton Hewitt in 1998, taking a well-earned break and returning at the US Open.
Rafa defeated the Swiss Ivo Heuberger in five sets in the first round in New York. The teenager struggled in sets three and four before claiming victory in the decider to set up the clash with world number 2 and defending champion Andy Roddick.
One of the favorites for the title proved too strong for the Spaniard, scoring a…
