‘I had to order a bottle of tequila’

Rafa Nadal is known for his mental fortitude. As one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Nadal has had to battle his nerves and anxiety in high-pressure environments, delivering key victories that paved the way for him to be one of the most successful athletes in the sport’s history. Which is why it may come as a surprise to learn that he was very intimidated by a music video set alongside one of the world’s biggest artists: Shakira. 

In a clip from his Netflix documentary “Rafa,” Nadal shared an amusing behind-the-scenes story from the 2010 “Gitana” music video. The clip was one of the most viral moments from both their careers, featuring embraces, stares, and a kiss that sparked romance rumors that were difficult to shut down.  

A bottle of tequila to take the edge off

Looking back on the experience, Nadal recalled just how uncomfortable he felt in front of the cameras. 

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“I remember that when I made a music video with Shakira, I had to order a bottle of tequila so I could relax a bit,” he said with a laugh. The video, directed by Jaume de Laiguana, captures a series of close moments between Shakira and Nadal, with the two playing love interests as she sings and dances along to the song. 

The video’s release caused a sensation, and speculation about the nature of Nadal and Shakira’s relationship that continued for months. In reality, the two were friends and remain so to this day. It was Shakira herself who personally chose Nadal to star in the video.

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Nadal’s shy side

In past interviews, Nadal has been candid about his discomfort with the spotlight. “I’m very shy, and I have a bad time when I’m the center of attention, and I’m out of the courts,” he said during an appearance on El Hormiguero, the long-running Spanish talk show.

Nadal’s Shakira story comes at a time when he has grown more comfortable sharing personal anecdotes and reflections from his career, offering a fuller picture of the man behind the remarkable sports legacy. The “Gitana” music video has endured as one of the most memorable collaborations between sports and music, accumulating millions of views, inspiring dozens of theories, and remaining a landmark moment in the careers of both stars.