Rafael Nadal’s glittering tennis career includes two Olympic medal’s, 22 Grand Slam titles and 209 weeks at No. 1 in the world men’s singles ranking. But away from the court, he’s a proud family man, welcoming two children with wife Mery since the pair tied the knot in 2019.
Read on to find out what Rafael’s said about becoming a father, the two boys he’s raising and life with his wife who grew up near to his family home.
© Getty ImagesRafael Nadal is one of the sport’s most famous players
Who is Rafael Nadal?
Rafael ‘Rafa’ Nadal Parera was born on 3 June 1986. He ranked at No. 1 in the world in men’s singles for an incredible 209 weeks, closing the year as top dog five times.
The tennis legend won 22 grand slams during his career and is now happily enjoying retirement with his wife and with two children.
© Fundacion Rafa Nadal via Getty ImagesRafa and Mery said ‘I do’ in 2019
Marriage to Mery
Rafael Nadal tied the knot with María Francisca Perelló in 2019. Known as Mery or Xisca, his wife grew up in the same area of Mallorca as the tennis player.
They are believed to have been introduced through Rafa’s sister María Nadal. In Rafa: My Story, he noted they began dating in 2005 and made their first red carpet together in 2011.
© Tim Clayton via Getty ImagesRafael Jr. is the oldest son of Mery and Rafa
Rafael Jr.
The couple welcomed their first child, son Rafael Jr. on 8 October 2022. When the pro revealed they were expecting in June 2022, he said: “I don’t know what will change in my life because I don’t have experience, but I don’t think it will change my professional life.”
Rafael Jr. has occasionally been spotted on the sidelines cheering for his dad – who isn’t completely opposed to his son following in the family business. He told Vanity Fair: “If that’s what my son wants to do, I’m going to support him. I don’t think that will be the case, but I’m going to support him in whatever he wants to do.”
© Getty ImagesMery appeared in support of her husband at the French Open in 2025
Miquel
The birth of the couple’s second son Miquel was revealed in August 2025 to People magazine. According to the Europa Press, their youngest child was named after Mery’s father who passed in April 2023.
Baby Miquel starred in the final episode of Netflix series Rafa, sleeping comfortably in his mother’s arms.
© Getty Images for NetflixRafael Nadal was launched back into the spotlight with Netflix documentary ‘Rafa’
What’s he doing now?
Rafael retired from the tennis court in 2024 but fans got the chance at an inside glimpse at the tennis pro’s private life in Netflix series Rafa.
The series charts his rise from French Open win to a whopping 22 Grand Slam titles. Rafa has fought through several injuries but they eventually led to his retirement and the player seems to be enjoying some well-earned time with his family.