Even more than a decade later, Alex Rodriguez and Cameron Diaz’s short-lived relationship still captures attention. The former New York Yankees star and the Oscar-winning actress dated between 2010 and 2011, shortly after Rodriguez helped the Yankees clinch the 2009 World Series. Their romance, though fleeting, has only rarely been discussed by either party, until now.
Rodriguez addressed the pairing in the third and final episode of his HBO docuseries 'Alex vs. A-Rod,' released on November 20. As images of himself and Diaz flashed on the screen, the baseball legend reflected on his life at the time, admitting, "I feel like the World Series came and went. I was basically at the pinnacle of my baseball career. But there was a lot going on at the time."
He offered no further details on the romance itself, leaving viewers with only a glimpse of the intensity surrounding their time together. The couple first sparked rumors in May 2010, reportedly spending time together in the luxury suite of Boston’s Liberty Hotel, according to the New York Post.
While they initially denied dating, their relationship unfolded publicly over the next several months. They celebrated holidays in Mexico and were photographed scouting property in Miami, where Rodriguez was building a home.
By June 2011, Diaz confirmed their relationship in an interview with Elle UK, reflecting on their connection. "All I want for him is happiness. All he wants is my happiness. His isn’t reliant on me, and mine isn’t on him."
Despite their closeness, Diaz was even introduced to Rodriguez’s two daughters, but the romance ended in September 2011, after roughly a year and a half together.
Yet Rodriguez has continued to speak warmly of the actress. In a 2012 appearance on The Insider, he said, "I don't like talking about my relationships, but I will tell you about C.D. She's probably one of the greatest human beings I've ever met, and just an amazing light."
Diaz, now married to musician Benji Madden, also reflected on the emotional intensity of the relationship in an InStyle interview shortly after their breakup.
She said, "When I was going through a bit of a heartbreak a little while ago, I said to a friend, 'Wow, this really hurts!' And he said to me, 'That just shows you what your capacity for loving is.' I would rather have my heart broken a thousand times than never to love at all. I have so much love to give. I’m not empty of love, I’m full of love."
The docuseries not only revisits Rodriguez’s Hollywood romances but also chronicles his storied baseball career and personal challenges. In earlier episodes, he addresses his marriage to ex-wife Cynthia Scurtis, acknowledging missteps that contributed to their 2008 divorce.
"In hindsight, I could have been a better husband. I could have been more present, I could have been more sympathetic, empathetic, all of it. You name it," he admitted. Scurtis herself reflected, "I was hoping that it could end differently than it did. He was really upset, so that affected me. But at the same time, I think I felt a sense of freedom."
The docuseries also touches on rumors surrounding Rodriguez’s alleged affair with Madonna, which he denied alongside the pop icon. "You can’t believe everything you read," he said.