Rafael Nadal: Nike advert in 2019 is one of sport’s greatest ads

Nike and its athletes have developed a reputation for iconic advertisements over the years.

Rafael Nadal, one of the brand’s most recognised ambassadors, featured in a particularly memorable campaign in 2019.

The clip, released in celebration of Nadal’s 12th Roland Garros title, starts with commentator John McEnroe introducing him to the world.

He says: “And here is 16-year-old phenom, Rafael Nadal, waiting for the first serve.”

The footage is from the youngster’s breakthrough match at the 2003 Hamburg Open where he defeated his current coach, Carlos Moya.

As the Spaniards trade blows on the clay, the opponent on the other side of the net changes, with Andre Agassi appearing on the American hard courts.

The rally progresses, following Nadal’s career, with the 14-time Roland Garros champion growing older and his adversaries taking it in turns to try to topple him.

Agassi becomes Juan Martin del Potro, who is then replaced by Grigor Dimitrov.

Sprinting for every ball, Nadal uses his grit and determination to keep the rally going, even retrieving a drop shot on the pristine turf of Wimbledon.

Such is the longevity of Rafa’s career, the new kids on the block Karen Khachanov, Frances Tiafoe and Borna Coric also make appearances.

The final play sees the 22-time grand slam champion getting lobbed on the famous Arthur Ashe Stadium court.

He sprints back, plays a tweener onto his opponent’s baseline, drops his racket, picks it up again and finishes the point with a volley at the net.

The crowd and his box leap to their feet and he acknowledges them with his trademark fist pump. The point encapsulates everything that Nadal is, a fighter. Stunned, McEnroe exclaims: “Wow, this guy’s relentless. Unbelievable. Is he going to