Last year, in an interview with E! News, Rafael Nadal offered a glimpse into his lifelong affinity for children, stating, “I have always been a kids guy.” This sentiment, rooted in his joyful experiences with numerous younger cousins, took on new meaning when he and his wife, Maria Francisca Perello, welcomed their first child, a son, in October 2022. Reflecting on this new chapter, Nadal shared, “Everything surprises you because everything is new. Especially the first kid you have, everything is 100 percent new for my wife and for me. So you learn every day, and every day is unexpected.” Now, whispers suggest the Nadal family may soon be expanding…

Just months after Rafael Nadal’s retirement from professional tennis, Spanish media outlets have reported that his wife was recently photographed in Mallorca with a visible baby bump while running errands, dressed stylishly in all black. This sighting had ignited a wave of excitement and speculation among both fans and the media. The happy news has now been confirmed.

Rafael Nadal and his wife are expecting their second child. Reports from Semana, corroborated by ¡HOLA!, indicate that Maria is five months pregnant, meaning their new addition will arrive next summer, joining their two-and-a-half-year-old son, Rafa Jr.

Nadal met Perelló through his younger sister and had dated her for almost 14 years before tying the knot in 2019. They exchanged vows in front of around 250 guests at a 17th-century castle called Sa Fortaleza in northern Mallorca. The pair is now raising their sweet little family in a stunning house in Porto Cristo, complete with an impressive infinity pool, large windows, and multiple terraces.

While Rafael, 38, typically shields his family life from public view, he did offer some insights into his anticipation of fatherhood before his first son was born. “If all goes well, I’m going to be a father. I’m not accustomed to discussing my private life. We live more calmly with a lower profile. I don’t expect my life to change much because of it,” he previously told the reporters.

Talking about the spotlight, it was all on Rafa and his family last year! 2024 has been a huge year for Nadal and his family, primarily owing to his announcement of hanging up his rackets after enjoying a 23-year-long illustrious career. The 22-time Grand Slam champion was even spotted showcasing his gratitude to his wife, son, and all the other family members during his emotional speech at his farewell tournament (Davis Cup Finals) in Malaga.

He said, “I want to say goodbye, thanking my family, who have never failed me. They have always been there for me, in the moments when things seemed impossible. When things were going well, they kept me grounded.” Further highlighting the contributions of his close one, Nadal added, “My family, my team, my friends. I am a person who believes in continuity, I believe in keeping the people you love and who make your life better. I have kept my close family. Without you, this would not have been possible.“

Rafael Nadal always had the wish to play a bit longer and give his son a memory of seeing him play the sport, but that didn’t happen. However, last year, he got the chance to be with his son during his tour to different venues. How was the experience for him to see his son making his appearance in the stands during his matches?

Rafael Nadal cracked a joke about not winning almost any match since Rafa Jr.’s arrival

Talking about his new experiences as a father, Rafael Nadal once joked that being a father has so far meant more tiredness and sleep. “It’s one more concern in your life. Living it naturally, I’m neither more nor less than any father. With happiness. Trying to make the most of the moments I can be with him.” 

And while Rafa is away from home, his little son is often seen attending his matches. He was spotted watching his father live during the 2024 Madrid Open. Highlighting that special moment, Nadal then said the feeling is “completely different” from anything else, in getting the chance to see him watch his game.

Well, in an interview, he jokingly said, “On a sporting level, it has changed me drastically. I always tell my son, who is already starting to do something: ‘Dad, a potato’, because since he has come into this world, I have not won almost any match. That has changed me for the worse, sportingly speaking.”

However, he also mentioned, “But in life, in most things, it has changed me for the better, because in the end I have lost, I have been injured, but whatever happens, coming home and seeing him changes my mood.” 

To date, there have been several other moments where Rafa Jr. was spotted stealing the limelight with his mini racket while accompanying her mother in the stands. Seeing all these glimpses, some fans have already started to wonder: Does Rafael Nadal have any plans of putting him in tennis?

In reply to this, Rafa once said, “I would prefer that [Rafa Jr.] practice another sport. It pains me to say it with everything that tennis has given me… If he wants to play tennis, I will support him. But if he plays another sport, better. I wouldn’t like to be the typical father who justifies everything his children have done. At the moment, I’m not in that position.” 

With the joyous news of another addition to the Nadal family, an outpouring of love and well wishes from fans has already begun. We, too, extend our heartfelt congratulations!