With 22 Grand Slam titles, Rafael Nadal is one of the world’s most decorated tennis players.
As former reigning world number one, Rafael’s final season in the sport is being watched closely by fans across the world, with the 36-year-old hoping to end his final championship year on a high note.
WATCH: Rafael Nadal’s Wedding. Article continues after video.
Off the court, Rafael has kept his life largely out of the public eye, with fans catching a rare glimpse of his family life with childhood sweetheart Maria Francisca Perello at tournaments across the globe.
As he prepares to take to the court for his final tennis season, we take a closer look at Rafael Nadal’s family life.
Is Rafael Nadal married?
Rafael Nadal has been married to 35-year-old Maria Francisca Perello since October 2019.
The couple grew up together in Palma de Majora, Spain, and reportedly began dating in 2005.
After 14 years together, Rafael and Maria celebrated their engagement while on holiday in Rome, with the pair tying the knot in Mallorca in October 2019.
Keeping their romance largely out of the public eye, Maria also opts to not sit in the stands during Rafael’s matches, telling The Telegraph, “He needs his space when he is competing, and just the idea of me hanging around and waiting on his needs all day tires me out.”
Does Rafael Nadal have children?
Rafael Nadal and wife Maria share one child.
In June 2022, the tennis star announced that his family were expecting, telling the press, “If all goes well, I’m going to be a father.”
The couple announced the arrival of their son on October 13, 2022, writing to Twitter, “After a few days and many messages of love, I just wanted to thank you all! We are very happy and all very well.”
Rafael and Maria have not yet revealed their son’s name, choosing to keep their family life out of the public eye.
Has Rafael Nadal retired?
Rafael Nadal has not retired from tennis, however, the 36-year-old has shared that he plans to retire from tennis following the conclusion of the 2024 season.
“I didn’t make the decision, my body made the decision… Next year will probably be my last year. If I keep going now, I won’t be able to make it happen,” Nadal said following his withdrawal from the 2023 French Open.
Despite starting the season strong, in January 2024, Rafael announced that he would be withdrawing from the 2024 Australian Open.
Set to be his first major tournament of the year, the tennis star announced that he would be returning to Spain following the completion of the Brisbane International.
“During my last match in Brisbane, I had a small problem on a muscle that, as you know, made me worried. Once I got to Melbourne, I have had a chance to make an MRI [appointment] and I have a micro tear on a muscle,” he wrote to Twitter.
“I have worked very hard during the year for this comeback and as I always mentioned, my goal is to be at my best level in three months.”
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