Rafael Nadal has spent more than two decades under the spotlight, winning Grand Slam titles, breaking records and cementing his place as one of the greatest athletes in sporting history.
Yet despite living much of his life in public, the Spanish tennis icon has always fiercely protected what matters most to him: his family and inner circle.
During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Thursday, the 22-time Grand Slam champion candidly revealed why he initially resisted filming his new documentary, Rafa, admitting that his biggest concern wasn't exposing himself, but the impact it could have on the people closest to him.
© Lloyd Bishop/NBC via Getty Image"To be honest, yes," Rafael said when asked whether he had any hesitation about allowing cameras into his life.
The 40-year-old explained that he had declined multiple opportunities over the years before finally agreeing to participate. "I refused to do it plenty of times before that one," he admitted.
© Lloyd Bishop/NBC via Getty ImageWhile many fans may assume the notoriously private star was concerned about revealing too much of his own life, Rafael said his hesitation stemmed from a desire to protect his family and long-time team.
"In some way, I was a little bit worried about bothering my people," he shared. "Bothering my family, bothering my team."
The sporting legend explained that allowing filmmakers unprecedented access meant invading the personal space of those around him, many of whom are not accustomed to living under the glare of public attention.
© Tim Clayton via Getty Images"I mean, you invade their private space," he said. "More than me, that I am a little bit more used to work in front of cameras, it's for the others. That was something that I was really concerned about."
The documentary offers fans a rare glimpse behind the scenes of Rafael's life away from the tennis court, including intimate moments at home and within his trusted inner circle. For a man who has carefully guarded his privacy throughout his career, opening the doors to his personal world was no small decision.
"It was a challenge, especially at the beginning," Rafael explained. "You put cameras in places that the rest of the people are not used to."
He added that allowing filmmakers into his home and daily routines initially felt uncomfortable. "Open your house, open your daily work, in some ways, is challenging at the beginning."
© InstagramUltimately, it was a conversation with producer David Ellison that changed his mind. Rafael revealed that David, whom he described as someone he deeply trusts and respects, helped convince him that the project would be handled with care. "He convinced me," Rafael said. "He said, 'Okay, I talked with Zach.'"
The tennis star was referring to director Zach Heinzerling, whose previous documentary work earned widespread acclaim.
Rafael said the promise of a high-quality production gave him the confidence to move forward. "'We're going to deliver something great,'" he recalled being told.
After initially feeling uncertain, Rafael said both his team and the documentary crew quickly adapted to the unusual circumstances. "They have a great team and I have a good team too," he explained. "They got used to it quick."
© Sylvain BecheLooking back now, the father-of-one has no regrets about allowing cameras to document such a personal chapter of his life. "I think it was a good thing," he said. "And I'm really happy that we did it."
The documentary arrives during a significant new chapter for Rafael following his retirement from professional tennis in 2024.
Since stepping away from the sport, the Mallorca native has embraced family life with wife Mery Perelló and their young son Rafael Jr., while continuing his work through the Rafa Nadal Foundation and various business ventures.
