Netflix to air documentary starring Rafael Nadal after icon’s tennis retirement

Streaming giant Netflix has teased the release of a documentary of retired tennis legend Rafael Nadal.

It shapes as the Spanish champion’s first move since bowing out of the game in November this year.

Nadal battled injury consistently throughout the twilight years of his decorated career, finally succumbing to the will of his body last month playing for Spain in the Davis Cup.

The 38-year-old won 22 grand slams including a record 14 French Open titles, a record that will surely never be touched.

Now, the king of clay will be the star of a new show documenting his incredible successes on and off the court, Netflix has announced.

“Netflix and Skydance Sports have teamed up on a documentary series about the life and career of Spanish sports and tennis icon Rafael Nadal,” Netflix said in a statement.

“The series will include unprecedented access with Nadal throughout his comeback to competitive play in the 2024 season after sitting out much of 2023 due to injury.

“The docuseries will spotlight Nadal’s sterling career, as well as his life off-the-court, showcasing never-before-seen material from Nadal’s personal archive and featuring landmark access with the tennis star, his family and his close circle of coaches and advisors.

“Rafael Nadal has been playing tennis since the age of three and turned pro at 15.

“Nadal is considered one of the greatest players in tennis history, has excelled on all surfaces and won all of the sport’s major events, including four US Open titles, two Wimbledon championships, two Olympic gold medals, and two Australian Open crowns.”

There was barely a dry eye in the room when Nadal bid farewell last month, not least those of the tennis legend, as the Spanish crowd soaked their icon’s presence up for the last time after taking the court.

The Spaniard announced in October the Daivs Cup tie would be it for him as a professional tennis player after two years of injuries that limited him to competing only sparingly.

“The way that I would like to be remembered more is like a good person from a small village in Mallorca,” he said, choking up before the crowd’s applause forced him to pause.

“I had the luck that I had my uncle (Toni) that is a tennis coach. I had a great family to support me in every single moment. Just a kid who followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible to be what I am today.

“And at the end of the day, being honest, a lot of people work hard, a lot of people try their best every single day, but I am one of these that I have been very lucky that life gave me an opportunity to live unforgettable experiences because of tennis.

“I just want to be remembered as a good person and a kid that followed their dreams and that achieved more than they ever dreamed.”

In one final selfless act, Nadal had already said the quarter-finals clash should be his last, endorsing a teammate to be selected in his place regardless.

“It’s in some ways good maybe if that was my last match. I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one. So we close the circle,” he said, speaking after his match.

“I feel like this was my last professional singles tennis match. I lost my first Davis Cup match and I lost my last.

“If I were captain, I wouldn’t pick myself for the next match. If we win and qualify for the semi-finals, the easiest way would probably be to pick Roberto Bautista to play in my place. But it’s not up to me.”