Rafael Nadal has said he wanted to be honest and transparent in his forthcoming Netflix documentary series, speaking to AFP at a preview screening in Madrid on Wednesday. The four-part series, titled Rafa, releases on May 29, during the French Open, the Grand Slam where Nadal won a record 14 titles.

What is the Rafael Nadal Netflix documentary about?

Rafa follows Nadal through his final season on tour, covering his attempted comeback from hip surgery, the doubts and uncertainty that came with it, and his eventual decision to retire. The series does not shy away from the difficult moments. Nadal described it as a documentary that “doesn’t paint everything in rosy colours.”

What did Nadal say about the documentary?

“I think I’ve been quite transparent about my life and everything that has happened to me,” Nadal told AFP ahead of the first episode screening. “I’ve been honest, and it’s my story.” The 22-time Grand Slam champion said the filming captured him while he was still playing, trying to recover from injury and surgery, before he ultimately accepted he could not return to full fitness.

“That whole process was filmed: the doubts, the uncertainty, and then acceptance of the situation,” he said.

Why did Nadal agree to make the Netflix series?

Nadal said the decision was not something he pursued on his own. People around him, whom he described as trusted figures with experience in the industry, persuaded him it was worth doing. “I followed their advice and here we are. I hope people will like it,” he said.

The documentary will be available on Netflix from May 29, coinciding with Roland Garros, where a mark of Nadal’s footprint is permanently etched into the clay on Court Philippe Chatrier.