Essendon stars Brendon Goddard and David Zaharakis today met tennis champion Rafael Nadal as he prepares for the 2015 Australian Open.

The players were on hand as the club’s Co-Major Partner, Kia Motors Australia, handed over the entire fleet of vehicles to Tennis Australia for the Open.

Goddard said it was exciting to be able to get up close with one of the best sport stars in the world.

“It was a really good experience, I was a big fan of Rafa on the tennis court and he is a very humble guy,” Goddard said.

“He was really welcoming guy for his profile in the world of sport so it was a really good experience.”

 Rafa also demonstrated his football skills picking up the ability to handball after a quick lesson from Goddard.

“It was surprising actually,” Goddard said.

“He mentioned he had watched a few games on television, which is probably why he is pretty good with the football.”

Nadal also unveiled the new custom made Kia Sorrento X Car and film featuring the tennis star.

Kia will provide over 100 cars for the upcoming Australian Open, shuttling players, officials and dignitaries to and from the venues.