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