Two years after stepping away from professional tennis, Rafael Nadal is enjoying a very different life. The Spanish legend, who retired in 2024 after one of the greatest careers in the sport’s history, is now spending most of his time with his wife, Mery “Xiska” Perelló, and their two sons, Rafael Jr. and Miquel. While tennis is no longer at the center of his daily routine, Nadal continues to stay connected to the game through his academy, foundation, and the new Netflix docuseries Rafa, which looks back at his remarkable journey.
How Rafael Nadal Built One of Tennis’ Greatest Careers
Beginning in Manacor, Mallorca, Rafael Nadal picked up a tennis racket at only 4 years old. His uncle Toni Nadal helped him to become among the best young prospects in the game. He rose to be among the finest players tennis has ever produced during the following two decades.
Nadal won 22 Grand Slam single titles, including a record 14 French Open crowns. His dominance on clay courts earned him the moniker King of Clay. He also had an incredible 912 straight weeks among the ATP Top 10 and became one of just three men's players to win a Career Golden Slam, that is, all four Grand Slam tournaments plus an Olympic gold medal. His matches with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic helped to define a decade of men's tennis and produce some of the most memorable moments in the sport.
Why Rafael Nadal Decided to Retire in 2024
Behind the trophies, Nadal spent much of his career fighting pain. He dealt with several injuries, including Müller-Weiss syndrome, a rare foot condition that caused him problems for years. Knee issues and other physical setbacks also became a constant challenge.
After winning his 22nd Grand Slam title in 2022, Nadal suffered a hip injury that required surgery. Although he worked hard to return, he later admitted that competing at the level he expected from himself was becoming increasingly difficult.
His final season came in 2024. After playing at the French Open, the Swedish Open, and eventually the Davis Cup, Nadal decided it was time to stop. In the Netflix series Rafa, he explained that years of pushing his body to the limit had become mentally exhausting and that the sport was taking more from him than it was giving back.
What Rafael Nadal Is Doing Today With Mery Perelló and Their Family
Today, Nadal’s focus is firmly on family life. He and Mery Perelló are raising their two sons, Rafael Jr. and Miquel, and Nadal has often spoken about enjoying the chance to live a more normal life away from the pressure of competition.
He remains active through the Rafa Nadal Academy and the Rafa Nadal Foundation, both of which help young people through education and sport. In his hometown of Manacor, he also opened the Rafa Nadal Academy Museum, celebrating his journey while sharing it with future generations.
Even in retirement, Nadal’s influence on tennis remains strong. The trophies tell one part of the story, but Nadal has made it clear that he hopes people remember him for something bigger, the way he treated others and the person he was away from the court.
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