Tennis legend Rafa Nadal has opened up about his memorable collaboration with pop star Shakira, revealing he needed liquid courage before filming their steamy music video. The 39-year-old Spaniard, known for his 22 Grand Slam titles, admitted he turned to tequila to calm his nerves before the shoot.
In 2010, Nadal enjoyed a career-defining year, winning the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open consecutively. As his global fame skyrocketed, he became a sought-after figure for television appearances and endorsements. Colombian superstar Shakira, now 49, enlisted him for her song "Gypsy," released that same year.
The music video, which has amassed over 64 million views on YouTube, features Nadal lounging topless in a chair while Shakira dances provocatively for him. The pair straddle each other, with Nadal clad only in denim jeans, and later share intimate hugs and a kiss while lying on rocks. The chemistry between the Spanish-speaking duo sparked widespread discussion among tennis fans.
However, in the new Netflix documentary series titled RAFA, Nadal confessed he needed Dutch courage before baring his chest. "I remember when I went to do a music video with Shakira. I had to ask for a bottle of tequila to drink a few shots to relax a bit," he said in the four-part series.
Nadal's victory at the US Open that year completed his Career Grand Slam and propelled his fame to new heights, leading to numerous chat show appearances. Yet despite his on-court confidence, he struggled with the spotlight off the court. "After winning the US Open, it was a bit of a media frenzy. But I've never liked being the centre of attention," he recalled.
His publicist, Benito Perez-Barbadillo, added: "I remember a lot of media telling me, 'Oh, he's going to love to do this.' I would say, in a very polite way, that's not the right word. He knew it was part of his job. But yeah, doing something out of his comfort zone was not easy."
The documentary sheds light on the contrast between Nadal's fierce competitiveness on the tennis court and his reserved personality off it. The revelation about the tequila shots offers a rare glimpse into the human side of a sports icon who often appears unflappable.
This story originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission.
