What goes into the making of a champion
Is it nerves of steel, the calm of the
ocean depth, or is it sheer force honed
by years of training In the case of one of
the all time greats in the game of tennis,
Rafael Nadal, it would be all three. The
beloved King of Clay may not be
winning as many grand slams as
he is used to, but a champ never
says never. Besides, he’s got fashion
on his mind. With his famous new
underwear ad for Tommy Hilfiger, the Spanish
superstar has metamorphosed into the kind of pinup
that has his admirers in a vertiginous state. As
he tells us, he likes to play dress-up when he goes
out, and here we bring him to you, looking as
sharp as a tack, in a Tommy Hilfiger ensemble.
The beloved legend has had an unusual
year – a few setbacks on the court, followed
by this incredible new campaign as the
global face of the American lifestyle
brand. And as this year draws to a close,
and the new year draws up ahead, one wonders if it’s crossed his mind to hang
up his racket… Will he ever beat his longtime Swiss rival’s world record of number
of grand slam wins Will he retire teaching his values and philosophy at his
eponymous tennis academy Only time will tell. But right now, it’s a hot, haute
December, full of sartorial flair and Mallorcan sunshine