Rafael Nadal has a new reason to celebrate—off the court. The 22-time Grand Slam champion and his wife, Mery Perelló, have officially welcomed their second child, a baby boy named Miquel, born on August 7, 2025.
The couple, who have been together for over two decades, are now proud parents of two boys. Their first son, Rafael Jr., was born in October 2022. The gender of their second child had remained a mystery until the birth, making the announcement a joyful surprise for fans.
According to Spanish outlet Última Hora, Mery’s recovery from her second delivery has been smoother than her first. Just three days after giving birth, she and Rafael returned home with baby Miquel, surrounded by close family who visited the hospital to meet the newest addition to the Nadal family.
A New Chapter in Retirement
Since officially retiring from professional tennis in November 2024, Nadal has shifted focus toward family life. His final match came during the Davis Cup Finals, where Team Spain fell to the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. A retirement tribute followed, though it was his farewell ceremony at Roland Garros—where he won a record 14 titles—that captured the hearts of fans and critics alike. Even his uncle and longtime coach, Toni Nadal, praised the Paris celebration while offering some criticism of the Davis Cup tribute in Málaga.
Throughout his career and retirement, Nadal has frequently credited Mery for her unwavering support, noting her role as a cornerstone of his life. The pair, who started dating when Nadal was 19 and Mery was 17, continue to be admired for their grounded, private life despite Nadal’s international fame.
A Happy, Healthy Transition to Life After Tennis
While many expected Nadal to struggle with the transition into retirement—especially after years of battling injuries and undergoing extensive treatments to stay on tour—he appears to have embraced this new phase of life. At 39, Nadal is reportedly enjoying being pain-free and spending more time on personal passions and with his family.
One of those passions remains his Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, where he maintains an active role. Toni Nadal continues to be deeply involved in the academy’s daily operations, but Rafael still lends his insight and presence, especially now that he’s stepped away from professional play.
Recently, German player Alexander Zverev spent time training at the academy, sparking rumors that Toni might coach him, with Rafael potentially acting as a mentor. However, due to Toni’s full-time commitments at the academy, a long-term coaching role remains unlikely. Outside of his nephew, the only other player Toni has worked closely with in recent years is Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Nadal’s Focus: Family, Legacy, and Happiness
Speaking at the 2025 Laureus Awards, Nadal touched on his growing family, expressing his hopes that his children follow their own paths—regardless of whether that includes tennis. For Nadal, what matters most is that his kids are happy and supported in whatever they choose to do.
With a new baby at home, a thriving academy, and his days of intense competition behind him, Rafael Nadal is embracing the next phase of life with the same grace and passion he brought to the court.
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