Nadal Family Expands: Second Child on the Way!

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal and his wife, Maria Francisca Perello, are reportedly expecting their second child. This joyous news comes just months after Nadal’s retirement from professional tennis in November 2024, marking a new chapter in his life focused on family and other pursuits.

A Growing Family for the Tennis Star

According to reports that surfaced on April 9, 2025, Maria Francisca Perello, often called Mery or Xisca, is pregnant with the couple’s second child. Spanish magazine Semana reported that Perello was seen in Mallorca sporting a baby bump while running errands. Nadal and Perello have reportedly shared the news with their family and close friends.

The couple welcomed their first child, Rafael Jr., in October 2022. The birth of their son was a significant moment for Nadal, who balanced his demanding tennis career with the joys of fatherhood. Now, as Nadal transitions into retirement, the arrival of a second child promises even more fulfillment and joy.

Rafael Nadal’s Private Life

Rafael Nadal and Maria Francisca Perello have maintained a relatively private life despite Nadal’s global fame. The couple has been together since 2005 and married in October 2019 after dating for 14 years. They have always been discreet about their personal affairs, which makes this recent news even more special for their fans worldwide.

Nadal has, on occasion, shared glimpses into his personal life, expressing his love for his family and his excitement about being a father. In past interviews, he mentioned wanting to have children. His former coach, Carlos Moya, has also shared insights into Nadal’s role as a father, describing him as content, happy, and calm as he embraces this new phase in his life.

Life After Tennis

Since retiring from professional tennis, Nadal has been spending quality time with his family. He ended his professional career in November 2024 after playing his last official event at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. In recent interviews, Nadal has confessed that he doesn’t miss tennis for now and hasn’t picked up a racket since retiring.

Nadal’s decision to retire was influenced by his awareness that he could no longer compete at the highest level due to several factors. The 2024 season provided him with the clarity he needed to decide his future. Now, he is happy away from the professional tour, playing sports with friends, and involved in numerous projects.

Nadal’s Legacy On and Off the Court

Rafael Nadal, born on June 3, 1986, in Manacor, Mallorca, Spain, is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Throughout his illustrious career, Nadal achieved remarkable success:

• He was ranked world No. 1 for 209 weeks.
• He finished as the year-end No. 1 five times.
• He won 92 ATP Tour-level singles titles.
• He secured 22 major titles, including a record 14 French Open titles.
• He claimed 36 Masters titles.
• He earned an Olympic gold medal in singles (2008) and doubles (2016).

Nadal is one of three men to complete the career Golden Slam in singles. His 81 consecutive wins on clay represent the longest single-surface win streak in the Open Era.

Beyond his on-court achievements, Nadal is known for his sportsmanship and philanthropy. He won the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award five times and was the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year in 2011 and 2021. He has also opened a tennis academy in Mallorca and is actively involved in charitable work through the Rafa Nadal Foundation.

The Next Chapter

As Rafael Nadal embarks on this new chapter of his life, the anticipation of welcoming a second child adds another layer of joy and excitement. The tennis world and his fans eagerly await further updates from the couple as they prepare to expand their family. This new journey promises to be as fulfilling as his remarkable career on the tennis court.