Nike is celebrating tennis legend Rafael Nadal with a new campaign film as he competes in the final competition of his career.
Titled ‘Greatness’, directed by Danish director Martin de Thurah and devised by creative agency Wieden & Kennedy London, the film showcases Nadal’s achievements throughout his career.
Over the course of his 23-year career, Nadal has won 2 Olympic gold medals, 22 Grand Slam titles, 92 career titles, and nearly 1,100 singles matches.
Video credit: Wieden+Kennedy/Campaign
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Nike co-founder, Phil Knight who narrates the brand film commented: “The thing I remember most about Rafa is the expression on his face when he’d get down — he’d twist his mouth and his eyes would narrow, and you would say to yourself, ‘Oh, look out, he’s put his game face on’.
“You could always see that tenacity. When he hit a forehand, the ball changed shape, he’d hit it so hard. And no one was going to outlast him in a five-set match. He was always fun to watch, and he was never out of a match.”
The tennis star has been a Nike athlete since he was 13, partnering with the brand to design custom apparel and footwear.
The campaign also showcased Nadal’s philanthropic efforts. His charity the Rafa Nadal Foundation supports young people through sports. He also offers youngsters specialised sporting training alongside an education at the Rafa Nadal Academy.
