Rafael Nadal, one of tennis’ greatest legends, and his wife, Maria Francisca “Xisca” Perelló, recently revealed a surprising fact about their marriage, sending waves through the world of sports and celebrity news. For years, Nadal, known for his fierce competitiveness and humility, has maintained a relatively private personal life. He has often been regarded as a person who keeps his personal and professional lives separate. However, this latest revelation about his marriage offers a rare glimpse into the intimate side of his life.
A Private Couple in the Public Eye
Rafael Nadal and Maria Francisca Perelló have been together for nearly two decades. The two met as teenagers in their hometown of Manacor, Spain. Xisca, as she is affectionately known, has supported Nadal through all the highs and lows of his storied tennis career. While Nadal’s accomplishments on the court have been well-documented—20 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 at the French Open—his personal life has often remained shrouded in mystery.
The couple tied the knot in October 2019, in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Despite Nadal’s global fame, the wedding was low-key, reflecting the couple’s preference for privacy. Even as one of the most famous sports figures in the world, Nadal has avoided the public eye when it comes to his relationship with Xisca. She has rarely been seen courtside, and the two have shared very few details about their personal life in interviews.
However, this recent revelation has brought their relationship into the spotlight in a way that fans and the media didn’t expect.
The Surprising Revelation
In a candid interview with a leading Spanish publication, Nadal and Xisca revealed an astonishing fact that few knew: despite their long relationship and the outward appearance of a solid marriage, they have had their fair share of challenges, especially concerning how they’ve balanced their personal and professional lives.
Nadal admitted that, for years, his grueling tennis schedule took a toll on their relationship. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his almost year-round commitments to the ATP Tour meant that he and Xisca spent significant periods apart. Xisca, who has managed Nadal’s charitable foundation and pursued her own career, has been nothing but supportive of Nadal’s tennis journey. However, they acknowledged that this dynamic wasn’t always easy, and there were times when it created distance between them—not just physically but emotionally.
“People see the victories and the celebrations, but what they don’t see are the sacrifices we make behind the scenes,” Nadal shared. “There were times when I was away for weeks, even months. It’s hard, but Xisca has always been understanding. Still, we’ve had to work hard to keep our relationship strong.”
Xisca echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that while she has always been proud of Nadal’s success, they had to navigate periods where their relationship was tested. “Rafa’s commitment to tennis is total. It’s not just a job; it’s his passion, his life. And I knew that going in. But there were moments when I wondered, ‘Where do I fit into this?’ We’ve had to find that balance.”
Keeping Their Private Life Separate
One of the most surprising aspects of their revelation is how deliberate the couple has been in keeping their personal lives private. While some celebrity couples embrace the media attention, Nadal and Xisca have done the opposite. The pair discussed how they consciously decided early on to avoid being a “celebrity couple.”
Xisca explained that she has never felt comfortable being in the public eye, which is why she rarely accompanies Nadal to his tournaments. “I’ve always wanted to support Rafa in a way that felt right for us, not for anyone else. I’ve never felt the need to be seen in the player’s box or to be a part of the spectacle. I’m there when it matters, but I also have my own life, my own goals.”
Nadal, too, has respected Xisca’s decision to maintain her privacy. “She’s been my rock, and I’ve always valued her independence. I never wanted her to feel overshadowed by my career, and I’m proud of everything she’s accomplished on her own.”
The Struggle for Balance
While they have maintained a united front over the years, Nadal and Xisca admitted that it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. The couple disclosed that their decision to have children had been delayed due to Nadal’s career. Nadal, who has always been intensely focused on tennis, found it difficult to consider starting a family while he was still competing at the highest level.
“We both wanted children, but we knew that with my schedule, it would be tough. I didn’t want to be an absent father,” Nadal revealed. “So, we made the decision to wait. It was something we discussed at length, and it was hard at times, but we knew it was the right choice for us.”
Xisca, in turn, expressed how difficult it was to watch Nadal struggle with the decision. “Rafa always puts 100% into everything he does, and I know he would be the same way as a father. But we had to be realistic. The tennis world doesn’t allow for a lot of downtime, and we wanted to make sure that when we did have children, we could be fully present.”
New Chapter: Embracing Parenthood
In October 2022, the couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy, marking a new chapter in their relationship. For both Nadal and Xisca, parenthood has brought immense joy, but it has also required more adjustments in their marriage. Nadal has since scaled back his tennis schedule to spend more time with his family, something that has shifted his perspective on both tennis and life.
“Becoming a father has changed everything,” Nadal said with a smile. “Tennis is still important to me, but it’s no longer the only thing. Coming home to my son and Xisca gives me a sense of peace and fulfillment that I’ve never experienced before.”
Xisca, who has taken on the primary role of raising their son while Nadal continues to play, shared that while it has been a huge adjustment, it has also brought them closer. “We’ve had to adapt, but in many ways, it’s strengthened our relationship. Watching Rafa become a father has been incredible. He’s so dedicated, and he brings the same passion to parenting that he does to tennis.”
The Key to Their Marriage
When asked about the key to maintaining a strong marriage in the face of such immense pressure and public scrutiny, Nadal and Xisca both agreed that communication and mutual respect have been essential. Nadal emphasized that their shared values have always been the foundation of their relationship.
“We’ve been together for so long because we respect each other’s dreams and individuality. Xisca has always had her own life, and I’ve always had mine, but we come together as partners. We talk openly about everything—our fears, our hopes, and our struggles. That’s how we’ve been able to make it work.”
Xisca added that patience and understanding have also been crucial. “There’s no such thing as a perfect relationship, and we’ve had our ups and downs. But at the end of the day, we always come back to each other. We’ve grown together, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Looking Ahead
As Nadal enters the twilight of his tennis career, he and Xisca are looking forward to what lies ahead. While Nadal has hinted that retirement may not be too far off, he remains focused on his final years in the sport. At the same time, he is excited about the future—both on and off the court.
“We’re entering a new phase of life,” Nadal said. “I don’t know how many more years I’ll play, but I’m excited about what comes next. Whether it’s more time with my family, working on my foundation, or pursuing other interests, I’m ready for whatever the future holds.”
For Xisca, the future is bright as well. “We’ve built a life together, and we’re looking forward to the next chapter—whatever that may be.”