Rafael Nadal spent his career staying – and playing – in the present as he moved forward, but a new book celebrating his legendary career has given the 22-time Grand Slam champion an opportunity to look back.
Rafa Nadal, a lavishly illustrated biography published by Assouline and written by longtime tennis journalist Jon Wertheim, was released on October 13. The 336-page book features 353 illustrations, including previously unpublished photographs from the private collections of Nadal, his family and his inner circle.
In an interview with GQ, published October 12, Nadal reflected on the emotional experience of revisiting his career, something he couldn’t be bothered with while he chased the sports’ biggest titles during his miraculous career.
“It was emotional, honestly,” the King of Clay told GQ. “When you are playing, in some ways you are only focused on the next thing—on the next tournament, on trying to achieve the next title, trying to be ready for the next practice, or trying to solve the problems that your body has. And then, creating a book like this one became an opportunity to see everything with a little bit of perspective. You see a lot of things that, of course, in some part of your head stay there, but it’s impossible to remember all of them.”
In the book, the 14-time Roland-Garros champion also discusses the physical struggles that shaped his journey, from serious foot problems as a teenager to the injuries that eventually forced his retirement in 2024.
There were lighter moments, too. Nadal looked back with some embarrassment at his famous early fashion choices, including sleeveless shirts, pirate pants and long hair, which helped establish his unmistakable identity.
He told GQ that one of his favorite kits to wear was the all-black ensemble he sometimes wore during US Open night sessions.
The book also features contributions from Federer, Nadal’s wife Mery Perelló, his uncle Toni Nadal and other important figures in his life.
The Classic Edition is priced at $120, while other collector editions range from $1200 to $3000.
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