Netflix has officially announced an exciting new project: a documentary series centered on the legendary Rafael Nadal. The upcoming docuseries, set to be released in 2025, promises to be a grand celebration of the 38-year-old illustrious career and an intimate look at his journey both on and off the court. A lavish trailer has already been unveiled, giving fans a tantalizing glimpse into what’s to come. Following his great rival Roger Federer, who documented his retirement through “Last Twelve Days,” Nadal aims to leave his mark with this cinematic ode to his legacy.
The announcement comes just weeks after Nadal retired from professional tennis, bidding farewell to the sport with a final appearance for Spain in the Davis Cup. With 22 Grand Slam titles to his name and a reputation as one of the greatest players in tennis history, the left-hander’s story is etched into the annals of sporting greatness. This documentary is a fitting tribute to a career defined by passion, resilience, and unparalleled success.
The yet-to-be-titled series will be directed by Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning filmmaker Zach Heinzerling, known for his work on projects like Stolen Youth and Cutie and the Boxer. Produced by Skydance Sports’ David Ellison, Jesse Sisgold, Jason Reed, and Jon Weinbach, the series aims to commemorate Nadal’s legacy while offering an unprecedented look at his final year on tour.
eflecting on his decision to embark on this project, Nadal shared that he hopes the project captures the essence of his journey and the values he upheld throughout his career. Despite his best efforts, injuries marred his final year, culminating in defeats to Botic Van de Zandschulp at the Davis Cup and Novak Djokovic at the Paris Olympics. Emotional goodbyes marked his appearances at iconic tournaments such as the Barcelona Open, Rome’s Italian Open, the Madrid Open, and Roland Garros, where he fell to Alexander Zverev in a challenging first-round match.
Finding the right way to honor a career as monumental as Nadal’s is no small feat, but this documentary aims to do just that. In addition to chronicling his 2024 season, the series will delve into his life beyond tennis, exploring the formative experiences and relationships that shaped him.
Fans can expect never-before-seen footage from Nadal’s archive and intimate interviews with his family, coaches, and advisors. His rivalry with Federer and Novak Djokovic, which defined men’s tennis for over two decades, will be a key focus, along with his groundbreaking achievements at Roland Garros, where he claimed 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles.
