Story perspectives

Netflix Debuts “Rafa” Docuseries on Nadal’s Comeback and Foot Injury

5/27/2026

Summary

Rafa Docuseries Debuts

Netflix will premiere the four-episode docuseries “Rafa” on May 29.
Skydance Sports produced it, tracing Rafael Nadal from age three to his 2024 return.
Director Zach Heinzerling said the series emphasizes Rafael Nadal’s vulnerability and his rare foot condition.
The series features testimony from uncle Toni Nadal and notes rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Summary

Rafa Coaching Split

Tennis player Rafa Nadal learned of coach Toni Nadal's decision to end coaching partnership in interview, after his father Sebastià Nadal told Toni in autumn 2016, catching them off guard.
After the split, No. 1 Carlos Moyà became co-coach, leading Nadal to the 2017 Australian Open final, his first Grand Slam final in a decade.
Physiotherapist Rafael Maymò said Nadal felt freedom and less tension on court after the split.

Summary

Rafa's Hidden Struggle

Remote editing used Spanish-speaking assistants to translate Mallorquín interviews for linguistic accuracy.
Lead editor Drew Blatman merged archival footage with present interviews, treating historic clips as verité.
Uncovering Nadal’s lifelong foot disorder turned the series into a study of perseverance rather than a simple comeback.
The team notes the rarity of giving a living sports star such intimate access, forging an unprecedented bond with viewers.

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Rafa Docuseries Debuts

Netflix will premiere the four-episode docuseries “Rafa” on May 29.
Skydance Sports produced it, tracing Rafael Nadal from age three to his 2024 return.
Director Zach Heinzerling said the series emphasizes Rafael Nadal’s vulnerability and his rare foot condition.
The series features testimony from uncle Toni Nadal and notes rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

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