Rafael Nadal spent nearly two decades as one of the most prominent figures in global sports, but away from the tennis courts, he worked equally hard to maintain his family's privacy. Ahead of the release of his new Netflix docuseries Rafa, the Spanish tennis legend shared why he chose to keep his wife Mery 'Xisca' Perello and the rest of his family away from the public spotlight for so many years.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Nadal said that decision allowed his loved ones to lead a happier and more normal life despite his worldwide fame. 'My family preferred to stay a little bit away from all this attention,' Nadal told PEOPLE. He explained that keeping them out of the spotlight enabled him to return home and enjoy a normal life in Mallorca, Spain. 'In some way, I protected all of them from this world, and I think they were happier like this,' he said. 'In a personal way, I was happier, too, that I was able to have a very private life when I was at home.'
Nadal's Rise to Fame and Private Life
Nadal became a global sports star after winning his first French Open title at just 19 years old. As his career grew, so did public interest in his life beyond tennis. He appeared in major advertising campaigns and even featured in Shakira's 2010 music video 'Gypsy.' Still, he continued to keep his relationship and family life largely private.
Family Life After Retirement
Rafael Nadal and Mery Perello were together for 14 years before getting married in October 2019. The couple welcomed their first son, Rafael Jr., in 2022 and their second son, Miquel, in 2025. Since retiring from professional tennis in 2024, Nadal says family has become an even bigger part of his daily life. The 39-year-old now tries to spend as much time as possible with his children. According to Nadal, some of his favorite moments are the simple, everyday ones.
'I love being a father,' Nadal said. 'It's an amazing experience, one of the best. I especially like to bring them to school in the morning, to pick them up in the afternoon.'
Even though he is no longer competing on tour, Nadal remains busy. He continues to work with the Rafa Nadal Academy and his charitable foundation while focusing on family life. He said he is enjoying both aspects of his life right now.
Netflix Docuseries Rafa
His new four-part Netflix series Rafa gives fans one of the closest looks ever at his personal life. Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Zach Heinzerling, the project follows Nadal's tennis journey, retirement, and life away from the sport. It also includes rare moments with Mery Perello and their family, something fans have rarely seen throughout his career.
For Nadal, opening that door now does not change how he felt about protecting his loved ones. Looking back, he believes keeping his family away from constant attention helped everyone stay grounded while he handled the pressures of being one of tennis' biggest stars.
