Rafael Nadal Opens Up in Netflix Documentary Ahead of French Open

Nadal talks about his Netflix documentary  

Tennis great Rafael Nadal said he sought honesty and openness in his new Netflix documentary, set to release at the French Open.

Rafael Nadal’s Netflix documentary series launches May 29 during Roland Garros, where he won a record 14 French Open titles...

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal said he wanted the upcoming Netflix series about him to be open and truthful. He made the comments to AFP on Wednesday at a preview event before the release.

The documentary will launch on 29 May, coinciding with the French Open. It is the Grand Slam where Nadal built his legacy by winning a record 14 titles.

“I believe it's a genuine documentary that doesn't paint everything in rosy colours, and combines my sporting career with the difficulties I have faced,” Nadal said shortly before the screening of the first of four episodes in Madrid.

“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,” added the undisputed king of clay, who won 22 Grand Slam titles over a career spanning more than 20 years before retiring at the end of 2024.

The documentary was filmed during that final season, “while I was still playing, trying to come back from injury and hip surgery,” he said.

“And I didn't succeed. I tried to stay competitive, but I couldn't get back to 100 percent. That whole process was filmed: the doubts, the uncertainty, and then acceptance of the situation.”

Coming 🔜…
📺 @netflix pic.twitter.com/NprQy47TQD

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) May 19, 2026

Asked whether it was important for him to tell that difficult final chapter, Nadal replied: “Not necessarily, but 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,” added Nadal, who bid a tearful farewell last year to Roland Garros, where a mark of his footprint is carved into the clay on Court Philippe Chatrier.