Epoch Films’ Zachary Heinzerling Directs Netflix Doc-Series “Rafa” For Rafael Nadal’s Final Season

The final year of tennis great Rafael Nadal’s career is chronicled in Rafa. Dropping on Netflix May 29, the 4-part documentary series stands out for its emotional depth. Episodes explore the challenges faced by the 22-time Grand Slams singles champion, most notably a rare and debilitating foot condition. We also learn about the role his uncle and long-time coach, Toni Nadal, played in shaping Rafa’s never-give-up psyche.

Here, Rafa director Zachary Heinzerling—whose credits include the Oscar-nominated doc Cutie and the Boxer and the Hulu docuseries McCartney: 3, 2, 1 and Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence—shares how he chose to spin Nadal’s story:

MUSE: How did you come to direct Rafa? Am I correct in assuming you had to meet Nadal first and get his stamp of approval?

Zachary Heinzerling: Yes. In December of 2023, a producer called me and asked if I was available to go to Brisbane, Australia, to film what was potentially going to be Rafa’s last season. The deal was, if Rafa and I got along, if he liked me, or my approach, then we would continue.

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