Netflix and Skydance Sports are collaborating on an exclusive docuseries chronicling the extraordinary life and career of tennis legend Rafael Nadal. The series will provide unprecedented access to Nadal as he stages a comeback in the 2024 season following an injury that sidelined him for much of 2023.
The project will delve into Nadal’s remarkable career, featuring insights into his life on and off the court. It promises never-before-seen footage from his personal archive and exclusive interviews with his family, coaches, and close advisors.
Winner of 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record-breaking 14 French Open crowns, Nadal’s tennis journey began at the age of three, turning professional by 15. His accolades span all major tournaments, with victories at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the Australian Open, alongside two Olympic gold medals. Widely regarded as one of tennis’s greatest players, Nadal’s legacy transcends the sport.
The yet-to-be-titled series will be directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Zach Heinzerling (Stolen Youth, Cutie and the Boxer). Skydance Sports will produce, with David Ellison, Jesse Sisgold, Jason Reed, and Jon Weinbach at the helm.
Netflix’s Diego Ávalos, VP of Content for Spain, Portugal, and the Nordics, expressed excitement about the collaboration, saying, “Rafael Nadal stands as one of the most influential and greatest figures in the history of sports. We are excited to present his remarkable story to our members, offering an intimate glimpse into his journey to cement his legacy to become the legend he is today.”
David Ellison, Founder and CEO of Skydance, added, “Rafael Nadal is truly one of the greatest players and inspirations in the history of tennis. Beyond that, he is a friend, and working with Rafa, Zach, and Netflix to tell his story is both an honor and a privilege.”
Nadal himself shared his thoughts on the project, admitting, “I never thought I’d do something like this, but I got a call from David Ellison and with his words together with an amazing project they put in front of my eyes it really convinced me this was the right thing to do. Everyone will be able to see how my life has been during my tennis career and particularly in this very last year I had. It will also show how my life and my tennis career developed through the years.”
The docuseries adds to Netflix’s robust slate of sports programming, which includes titles like Quarterback, Formula 1: Drive to Survive, and Full Swing, as well as live events such as the Netflix Slam. Skydance Sports, known for its sports storytelling, is also producing other projects for Netflix, including Aaron Rodgers: Enigma and a Dallas Cowboys dynasty series.
Watch the official announcement here:
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