Who are Rafael Nadal’s Parents and How Have They Influenced his Life?

Rafael Nadal’s parents and sister are usually present in the cheering section during his matches. The Spaniard’s family also includes his uncles – Toni Nadal and Miguel Angel Nadal Homar. Though the Mallorcan comes from a rich background, his family does not like to be in the limelight.

Nadal was born on the 3rd of June 1986 at Manacor in Balearic Islands, Spain. He was born to his father Sebastián Nadal and his mother, María Parera.

Who are Rafael Nadal’s parents?

His father, Sebastian Nadal, is a successful businessman in Manacor. He is the owner of an insurance company, glass, and window company Vidres Mallorca. Sebastian also owns a restaurant called Sa Punta.

According to reports, his father’s restaurant – Sa Punta is also one of Nadal’s favorite places to go when in Mallorca. “The combination of the ocean view, the service, and the food. I always order the catch of the day, grilled – make it a perfect spot,” Nadal said.

His mother, María Parera was a trader who sold perfumes at the time of his birth. However, she left her job and became a homemaker soon after the 19-time Grand Slam champion was born.

Ana Maria Parera described Rafael Nadal as a super-sensitive human being. He doesn’t like the dark he used to sleep with light or television on. He cares so much about his family.

Nadal’s parents split in 2009 affected his play

In 2009, Sebastian Nadal and Maria Parera decided to split. Their decision affected the performance of the ‘King of Clay’ as he also lost the French Open in the same year. It was the only year between 2005 and 2014 he lost on the Parisian clay.

Nadal wrote in Rafa: My Story that his parents split was devastating. “They were the mainstay of my life and that pillar had crumbled. I was depressed, I lacked enthusiasm. I had lost all love for life,” he mentioned.

Rafael Nadal’s sister

Nadal’s sister, Maira Isabel (nicknamed Maribel), is five years younger than him. The two share a special bond despite Rafael have a packed and hectic schedule on the ATP Tour.

Maribel said: “He’s always urged me to come along when he goes out with his friends. It’s natural to us, even if others might sometimes find it strange, and it’s part of the secret of our special bond.”

Rafael Nadal’s uncles

Rafael comes from a sports-minded family. His uncle Miguel Angel Nadal was a professional association football player. His other uncle, Toni Nadal, taught him to play tennis and coached him for several years on the professional tour.