I’m not a Rafael Nadal person. I’ve always preferred Roger Federer, as an athlete, as a gentleman, and just by comparative attractiveness. It’s not that Rafa is unattractive… he just doesn’t do it for me. I think he looks uncomfortable most of the time – like, the only time he ever looks in his element is on the clay, and beyond that, he just doesn’t care for the rest of the world. His discomfort does not turn me on, and I can’t see past it (much like with Kristen Stewart). Perhaps I’m being converted, though. These are some new Armani ads starring Rafa, who replaced Cristiano Ronaldo as the official crotch of Armani – Rafa and Megan Fox are the two current crotches of the brand, and I’ve included some of the older ads below.

Now, what is it about lovely black and white images (the campaign is shot by Steven Klein) of an athlete’s body that makes me stop and look? I think it’s because Rafa’s incredible body comes from true athleticism and hard work – he doesn’t look like a gym rat. He looks like he’s out there training. Hard. It’s hot. Plus, in these shots, his face doesn’t look so… ratty.

Nadal is due at the US Open, which starts next week. Time Magazine has a great piece on where Nadal stands right now, and whether or not his head is in the game – go here to read it.

Ads courtesy of Armani.