 "Rafael Nadal becomes father for the second time. Reuters")
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal and his wife, Maria Francisca Perello, have welcomed their second child, a baby boy named Miquel, on August 7 at a private hospital in Palma, Spain. Both mother and child are reportedly doing well and were discharged from the hospital on August 9.
This joyous occasion marks a new chapter for the couple, who tied the knot in 2019 and have been together since 2005. Their first son, Rafael Jr., was born in October 2022. According to Spanish media, the name Miquel holds special significance as it’s named after Perello’s late father, who passed away in April 2023.
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Nadal loves being a father
Rafael Nadal, the holder of 22 Grand Slam titles, retired in October last year after rendering non-stop excellence on the court for two decades. Nadal has successfully transitioned to life after Tennis and has made no secret of the fact that he loves being a father.
“Everything surprises you because everything is new,” Nadal told E! News.
“Especially the first child you have, everything is 100 per cent new for my wife and for me. You learn every day, and every day is unexpected.
“I have always been a kids guy. I always enjoyed spending time with the kids, I had plenty of smaller cousins than me so I had a lot of fun with them when they were babies. I can say nothing negative.”
Nadal retired from tennis at the 2024 Davis Cup in Malaga. After playing his swansong, an emotional Nadal paid tribute to his wife and son.
During a special ceremony, he said: “My wife, Mery, we’ve been together for 19 years. Thank you for everything you’ve done. I think you’ve been the perfect partner on this journey throughout all these years of my career." As quoted by Tennis365.
“Coming home every day and seeing my son grow has been a source of strength that has truly kept me alive and given me the energy to keep going.”