“Rafael Nadal and Mery Perelló: A Love Story Spanning Two Decades”

Rafael Nadal and Mery “Xisca” Perelló have maintained a private and enduring relationship that spans nearly two decades. The couple, hailing from their hometown of Manacor in Mallorca, started dating in 2005 when Nadal was 19 and Perelló was 17. However, they chose to keep their romance largely out of the public eye.

In 2011, Perelló explained in Nadal’s memoir that she preferred not to discuss their relationship even with family. This commitment to privacy persisted, with the couple confirming their 2019 wedding and, more recently, the impending arrival of their first child in June 2022.

The couple’s first public appearance together on the red carpet occurred in November 2011 during an ATP World Tour Finals Gala. Despite the glamorous events, Perelló clarified in the memoir why she often did not accompany Nadal on his travels, emphasizing the importance of maintaining personal space and avoiding the celebrity spotlight.

In April 2012, Perelló joined the Rafa Nadal Foundation, working towards educating children and promoting development through sports. She became the organization’s Director General and actively participated in philanthropic endeavors.

Their wedding in October 2019 took place at La Fortaleza, a 17th-century Spanish castle in Mallorca, attended by 350 close friends and family, including former King Juan Carlos I.

Nadal fondly shared a New Year’s Eve post in 2019, highlighting their wedding as the most precious memory of the year. In May 2021, the couple revealed plans to build a family home in Mallorca, near Nadal’s parents.

The most recent development came in June 2022 when Nadal announced at a press conference that they were expecting their first child. Despite the public acknowledgment, Nadal emphasized his preference for a lower profile in their personal lives.

The couple’s journey reflects a steadfast commitment to privacy, love, and a shared vision of building a family and contributing to philanthropy.