Rafael Nadal takes advantage on, off court
NEW YORK — Tiger Woods, you've been served.
When asked who he'd love to take on in tennis, Rafael Nadal doesn't hesitate. "Tiger Woods. I like his mentality. I like his eyes when he's competing. I am a big fan of him," Nadal says.
According to Forbes, Nadal, 29, has earned an estimated $32.5 million in 2015. That's partially why Nadal is here in Bryant Park on a blazingly hot day, clad in a gray suit, hitting balls back and forth with models and, later, the Today show's Savannah Guthrie.
The U.S. Open starts Monday, and Nadal is competing. But he's also immersed in the world of fashion.
The Spanish tennis star, ranked eighth in the world, is the global ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger underwear and the brand's TH Bold fragrance.
What did his longtime girlfriend, Maria Francisca Perello, make of his steamy undergarment commercial, featuring skin aplenty? "I didn't ask her," Nadal retorts. Advantage, Nadal.
He spent his morning playing two hours of practice tennis. Here's what it takes for one very famous pro athlete to go from the court to courting press.
12:57 p.m. It's hot, so very hot. Martha Stewart stands near the entrance to the red carpet, trying to remain incognito. Nadal steps in front of the cameras, a little sweaty, and seems somewhat uncomfortable. But it's all in a day's work. Being in the spotlight is no biggie, Nadal says. "It's easy to work with good people around you," he shrugs.
1:25 p.m. Jane Lynch emcees a game of strip tennis, featuring a bevy of models. Suit on, racket in hand, Nadal takes the court. He seems to be taking the whole stunt in stride. "Tennis is my life," he says. "I know what I have to do. I've been doing that almost all my life," Nadal says. "I feel at home when I'm at the tournament. A day like today, I am relaxed."
1:37 p.m. Nadal is the victor, to the surprise of no one. Game Nadal, declares Lynch. As for what it takes to play tennis in a suit? "It's very good. It's Tommy Hilfiger," Nadal says.
2:06 p.m. It's time to chat with Guthrie for Today. "How do you like playing in a suit in hot weather?" she asks. He's game for anything, it seems.
3:09 p.m. Nadal sits in a cool hotel room, talking to a table of international reporters and answering questions about his favorite music (Bon Jovi and Julio Iglesias) and how he stays grounded.
4:03 p.m. It's time for a quick photo shoot and interview with USA TODAY. Nadal says he's feeling no pressure to bring home a trophy. "This season has not been the best for me," which means that anything could happen.
