After winning 22 Grand Slam titles, Rafael Nadal retired from tennis in 2024. By the age of 38, he had rightfully earned the nickname “King of Clay,” having won 14 of those titles at the French Open.
Filmmaker Zachary Heinzerling’s (“Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence”) new four-part docuseries “Rafa” premieres on Netflix on May 29, following Nadal’s final season.
Heinzerling received the call at the start of 2024, just two weeks before Nadal was set to travel to Australia at the start of the tennis season. Like anyone who followed the sport or played tennis, the director couldn’t resist the opportunity to tell Nadal’s story.
Speaking with Variety, Heinzerling says, “I was optimistic when he agreed to this. As he does with things, he goes all in.” Nadal was going to give all-area access, which meant the filmmaker could create something raw, gritty and authentic.
But what unfolds across the four episodes is more than just a sporting legend’s journey to retirement. Heinzerling’s docuseries reveals that as Nadal strives for one last moment of glory – one final chance to lift a trophy – his body is plagued with injuries, and faces personal strugggles.
