Tennis legend Rafael Nadal is embarking on an exciting new chapter in his life, as he and his wife, Mery Perelló, are expecting their first child together.
The news has thrilled fans around the world, who have followed Nadal’s illustrious career and personal life with great interest. This milestone comes after 17 years of being together as a couple, marking a significant moment in their long and enduring relationship.
A Love Story for the Ages
Rafael Nadal and Mery Perelló, often referred to by her nickname Xisca, have one of the most enduring relationships in the world of sports. Their love story began long before Nadal became a global tennis superstar, with the two meeting during their childhood in Mallorca, Spain. Over the years, their relationship has been a source of stability for Nadal, providing a solid foundation as he has navigated the ups and downs of his professional tennis career.
Mery, who previously worked in the insurance industry, decided to leave her job to support her husband’s philanthropic efforts. She now works as a project director at the Rafael Nadal Foundation, a charity the tennis star established over a decade ago. The foundation focuses on providing education and sports programs to disadvantaged children, a cause close to Nadal’s heart.
The Exciting Announcement
The news of their expanding family was shared by Nadal himself during a press conference in Mallorca. The tennis icon, who is known for being intensely private about his personal life, chose to reveal this joyous development as he prepared for his upcoming participation in Wimbledon. “If all goes well, I’m going to be a father,” Nadal announced with a smile, signaling a new chapter not only in his personal life but also in his journey as one of the most accomplished athletes in history.
Despite the public announcement, Nadal was quick to emphasize his preference for privacy. “I’m not used to talking about my private life. We live calmer with a lower profile. I don’t expect that my life will change much with it,” he added, reflecting his desire to maintain a sense of normalcy even as he prepares to welcome his first child.
Speculation and Confirmation
Rumors about Mery’s pregnancy had been circulating for some time, particularly after Spanish tabloid *Hola!* reported that she was expecting. The speculation reached a peak when photographs emerged of Mery boarding a yacht during a holiday with Nadal, her swimsuit seemingly revealing a small baby bump. These images, combined with her recent choice of loose-fitting clothing, fueled the gossip mill, though the couple remained tight-lipped until Nadal’s official announcement.
This approach to their private life is characteristic of both Nadal and Mery. Throughout their relationship, they have maintained a low profile, choosing to keep their personal affairs out of the public eye as much as possible. This has only served to heighten interest in their relationship, with fans and media alike eager to learn more about the couple who have stood by each other for nearly two decades.
A Fairytale Wedding
Nadal and Mery’s wedding in 2019 was a lavish affair, befitting a couple who have long been considered royalty in the sports world. The ceremony took place at La Fortaleza, a stunning Spanish estate located on the bay of Pollensa in north-east Majorca. The venue is not only known for its breathtaking views but also for hosting other high-profile events, including the wedding of Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.
The wedding, which was officiated by priest Tomeu Català, was a star-studded event attended by 350 guests, including some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. The couple’s choice of La Fortaleza, owned by Conservative party donor Lord Lupton, added an extra layer of prestige to the occasion, making it one of the most talked-about weddings of the year.
Despite the grandeur of their wedding, Nadal and Mery have always emphasized the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy in their relationship. This commitment to staying grounded, even in the face of immense fame and success, is one of the key factors that have contributed to the longevity of their relationship.
Nadal’s Journey to Fatherhood
For Nadal, becoming a father is a dream come true. The tennis champion has never been shy about expressing his desire to start a family, though he has always been mindful of the impact that his career might have on his home life. “I have a girlfriend too and I am not alone to take decisions,” Nadal said in an interview with *Essentially Sports* in 2018. “You have to suit situations you know. Having family? I don’t know, things are not easy to be predicted. At this age, I thought that I would have already been a former player and that I would have started a family.”
These comments highlight the delicate balance Nadal has had to strike between his professional ambitions and his personal life. While he has always been a “family guy” and someone who “loves kids,” Nadal has also been acutely aware of the demands of his career and the challenges it presents in terms of starting a family.
Now, as he prepares to become a father, Nadal is entering a new phase of his life, one that will undoubtedly bring both challenges and joys. However, with Mery by his side, he is more than ready to embrace this next chapter.
Mery’s Role in Nadal’s Life
Mery Perelló has been a steadfast presence in Nadal’s life, providing him with the support and stability needed to sustain a career at the highest levels of professional tennis. Despite being married to one of the most famous athletes in the world, Mery has always preferred to stay out of the spotlight. In a rare interview with *The Telegraph* in 2011, she spoke about her decision to maintain a low profile, explaining that it was important for both her and Nadal.
“Travelling together everywhere, even if I could, would not be good either for him or for me,” she said. “He needs his space when he is competing, and just the idea of me hanging around waiting on his needs all day wears me out. It would asphyxiate me.”
This approach has allowed Mery to carve out her own identity, even as she supports Nadal in his career. Her work with the Rafael Nadal Foundation is a testament to her commitment to making a difference in the world, and it is clear that she and Nadal share a deep bond that goes beyond the tennis court.
Looking Ahead
As Rafael Nadal and Mery Perelló prepare to welcome their first child, they are undoubtedly looking forward to the joys and challenges of parenthood. For Nadal, this new chapter comes at a time when he is still competing at the highest levels of his sport, a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication.
While the couple has chosen to keep many details of their personal life private, their announcement has been met with an outpouring of support from fans around the world. As they embark on this new journey together, Nadal and Mery will continue to inspire not only through their achievements but also through their enduring love and commitment to each other.
In a world where the pressures of fame and success can often take a toll on personal relationships, Rafael Nadal and Mery Perelló’s story is a reminder that true love can endure, even in the most extraordinary circumstances. As they prepare to expand their family, they do so with the same grace and humility that has defined their relationship from the very beginning.
