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Why Does Rafael Nadal Not Have Children?

Bettina Dizon
Jun 01, 2022
03:45 P.M.

Rafael Nadal is an international tennis champion and a proud husband. However, he does not have any kids and revealed why he chooses to hold off on growing his family.

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Rafael Nadal is one of the known names in the sports industry for his skill and success in tennis. After entering the international tennis circuit at 19, he quickly made himself known as a tennis champion, winning the Roland Garros.

In the quarterfinal showdown against world #1 Novak Djokovic, Nadal scored a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2,7-6 (4), bringing him a step closer to his 14th championship at the Grand Slam tournament.

Rafael Nadal of Spain during his withdrawal from the Rolex Paris Masters due to an abdominal injury on October 31, 2018 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Rafael Nadal of Spain during his withdrawal from the Rolex Paris Masters due to an abdominal injury on October 31, 2018 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Since the beginning of his career, Nadal has won 21 grand slam titles — 13 in Roland Garros, 2 in Wimbledon, 4 in US Open, and 2 in Australian Open. Another win could mean the athlete's 22nd major trophy throughout his career, adding yet another title for Nadal in the sports world.

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At 36, Nadal has undoubtedly proven himself as an athlete. Behind the scenes, he has chosen to hold off having children.

DOES RAFAEL NADAL HAVE CHILDREN?

The tennis champion has no children but likes the idea of one day becoming a father. He suggested that the best time to have kids is after his tennis career has ended so he can devote time and attention to family.

Rafael Nadal during Day Two of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 21, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. | Source: Getty Images

Rafael Nadal during Day Two of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 21, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. | Source: Getty Images

While focusing on his career, Nadal found it challenging to think about starting a family and looking after children. He said:

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"I would love to have children – boys, girls, I'm a person who loves kids, and I'm a family guy. But also, I tell you that the reality is, the years keep passing. I would like to start to do all of this when my sporting life determines it.

In particular, traveling all year round with kids may not be ideal for a new parent. Until then, fans can only expect Nadal to play on the court.

WHO IS RAFAEL NADAL'S WIFE?

Rafa Nadal and Maria Francisca Perello "Xisca" during the "Juntos Por La Integracion" charity gala organized by the Foundation Rafa Nadal on December 15, 2011 in Barcelona, Spain. | Source: Getty Images

Rafa Nadal and Maria Francisca Perello "Xisca" during the "Juntos Por La Integracion" charity gala organized by the Foundation Rafa Nadal on December 15, 2011 in Barcelona, Spain. | Source: Getty Images

Although without kids, Nadal is a married man. He married Xisca Perello, a business graduate of Spanish descent, after spending 14 years dating. The wedding ceremony was held at La Fortaleza castle in Spain with about 350 guests present.

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The special celebration was nothing short of luxurious, held at a majestic location with a Michelin star chef to cater to the event.

According to news outlets, the couple met through family friends and began a romantic relationship while attending the University of Balearic Islands. Nadal, 19 at that time, was still at the onset of his career.

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Although they did not choose the same career path, Perello continuously supports her husband. Before working with Nadal to manage his foundation for children's sports, The Rafael Nadal Foundation, she worked in insurance. Perello said of her husband's work:

"He needs his space when he is competing, and just the idea of me hanging around and waiting on his needs all day tires me out. It would asphyxiate me, and then he would have to be worrying about me."

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Nadal lives a different personal life from fellow tennis champion Serena Williams, already a mom, to an adorable toddler, Olympia. Williams' daughter often appears on her social media accounts and has captivated the attention of the athlete's fans.

Olympia taught her mom how to play the piano in one of her posts. It may not have been the craft Williams loves, but her moment with Olympia brought happiness and pride.

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