Tennis legend Rafael Nadal and his wife, Mery Perelló, share two children. Their firstborn son, Rafael Nadal Jr., arrived in October 2022, and their second son, Miquel, was born on August 7, 2025, at the Quirónsalud Palmaplanas Hospital in Palma, Mallorca.
The family keeps a relatively private life away from constant media spotlight, residing primarily in Mallorca where Nadal grew up. While global media coverage frequently tracks the tennis icon's post-retirement ventures, the arrival of his sons marks a major shift in focus toward fatherhood.
Expanding the Nadal Family
The birth of baby Miquel in August 2025 expanded the family to four. Local Spanish media outlets, including Ultima Hora, reported that Mery Perelló gave birth smoothly, and the family left the hospital a few days later to settle back home in Mallorca.
Naming their second son Miquel carried deep personal significance. The choice serves as a direct tribute to Mery's late father. By choosing a traditional Mallorcan name, the couple leaned into their local roots and honored family heritage.
Their older son, Rafael Jr., was born in October 2022 during the final stretch of Nadal’s active professional tennis career. Nadal often spoke in interviews about how difficult it was to leave home for tournaments after becoming a father. Transitioning away from the ATP Tour allowed him to spend consistent time watching his children grow.
Raising Children in Mallorca
Nadal and Mery grew up together in Manacor, Mallorca, and chose to keep their permanent base on the island rather than moving to a global tax haven or a major metropolis. Raising their sons in a familiar, close-knit community aligns with the values Nadal's own parents instilled in him.
Family privacy remains a strict priority for the couple. While public announcements accompany major milestones like births, everyday moments are kept private. Paparazzi intrusions are rare on the island, allowing Rafael Jr. and Miquel to enjoy a normal childhood outside the glare of international sports media.
For sports fans looking into athletic lineages, many wonder if the boys will pick up tennis rackets competitively. Nadal has noted that he won't push his children toward any specific career, preferring that they find their own passions.
Post-Tennis Life and Fatherhood
Since stepping away from professional tennis, Nadal's daily routine revolves heavily around his family and business projects, such as the Rafa Nadal Academy. Parenthood changed his emotional outlook completely. In past press conferences, he admitted that losses on the tennis court felt far less heavy the moment he walked through his front door and saw his family.
Balancing business ventures, academy expansions, and raising two toddlers under the age of four keeps both parents busy. Even so, local sightings of the family enjoying quiet days out in Mallorca show a grounded lifestyle far removed from the pressures of Grand Slam finals.
The couple's journey as parents continues to draw immense public affection from tennis fans worldwide, who watched Nadal mature from a teenage prodigy into a devoted family man. Official updates regarding the family typically come through trusted sports networks like Olympics or major European journalism outlets rather than personal social media feeds, as the couple values discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the names of Rafael Nadal's children?
Rafael Nadal and Mery Perelló have two sons: Rafael Nadal Jr., born in October 2022, and Miquel, born in August 2025.
When was Rafael Nadal's second son born?
Baby Miquel was born on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Quirónsalud Palmaplanas Hospital in Palma, Mallorca.
Does the name Miquel have a special meaning?
Yes, the name Miquel honors Mery Perelló's late father, keeping a meaningful family tradition alive.
Where does the Nadal family live?
The family lives primarily in Mallorca, Spain, close to both parents' extended families and the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor.
