Rafael Nadal released a four-episode documentary series on Netflix on May 29, 2026, timed to coincide with the French Open, where he won 14 titles during his career [1, 2]. The series was filmed during Nadal’s final professional season in 2024, when he struggled to recover from injury and hip surgery [1, 2].
Nadal ended his tennis career at the close of 2024, having won 22 Grand Slam titles over more than 20 years [1, 2]. The documentary captures both his sporting triumphs and the emotional challenges he faced as he tried to regain full fitness. “I believe it’s a genuine documentary that doesn’t paint everything in rosy colours,” Nadal said. “It combines my sporting career with the difficulties I have faced. I think I’ve been quite transparent about my life and everything that has happened to me. I’ve been honest, and it’s my story” [2].
He explained how he attempted to remain competitive but ultimately could not return to 100 percent health. “That whole process was filmed: the doubts, the uncertainty, and then acceptance of the situation,” Nadal told AFP during a preview event in Madrid on May 21, 2026 [2].
Nadal credited trusted advisors with experience in documentaries for convincing him to record his retirement journey. “I have people around me that I trust who convinced me to do it — people who have been successful in this industry and perhaps had a broader view of my career. I followed their advice and here we are. I hope people will like it,” he said [2].
He attended a preview of the series in Madrid on May 20 ahead of the official Netflix release four days later [1]. The documentary provides an intimate look at Nadal’s final battles on and off the court and his acceptance of retirement at the end of 2024 [1, 2].
