Rafael Nadal is used to showing off his athletic figure on the tennis court, but the sportsman's latest venture sees him flaunting his toned abs for the world of fashion. The 29-year-old has set pulses racing as the new face of Tommy Hilfiger underwear, posing in navy blue boxer briefs from the iconic American brand.
Rafael Nadal is the new face of Tommy Hilfiger
The label caused a social media frenzy amongst fans after they shared the first image of the tennis champion posing for the campaign. "The new star of #TommyHilfiger underwear takes it all off. #RafaelNadal #TommyXNadal," read the caption alongside the snap.
Tommy himself revealed why he had decided to have a sportsman rather than a model fronting the new campaign, and why he felt that Rafael was the natural choice.
"Because we're so global now, Rafael Nadal resonates globally in most countries in the world," the designer told WWD. "He also looks amazing in the underwear and the clothes".
The 64-year-old also put rumours that the tennis player's photos had been photoshopped to rest. "He's not doctored up, that's the real guy," he said.
The tennis champion agreed to a match "with a twist" in Bryant Park
As well as smouldering for the camera in the new images, Rafael proved that he doesn't take himself too seriously by agreeing to a match of "tennis with a twist" against French model Constance Jablonski and Russian model Arthur Kulkov, hosted by Tommy Hilfiger in New York's trendy Bryant Park on Tuesday. The friendly game took place in in front of an audience including Chanel Iman and Martha Stewart.
This isn't the first time that Rafael has lent his good looks to a high fashion brand. Back in 2011 the sportsman showed off his modelling credentials when he posed in adverts for Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans alongside Hollywood actress Megan Fox.
