Rafael Nadal: diagnosis, family, net worth & life after tennis

When Rafael Nadal walked off the court for the final time in November 2024, he left behind more than 1,000 match wins and 22 Grand Slam titles. But the Spanish legend’s life after tennis is just as compelling — from managing a rare foot condition to raising two young children with his wife. Here’s a grounded look at his health, family, wealth, and what comes next.

Grand Slam titles: 22 ·
Weeks at world No. 1: 209 ·
Date of birth: June 3, 1986 ·
Spouse: Maria Francisca Perello ·
Children: 2 (as of 2025) ·
Estimated net worth: $220 million

Twenty-two major titles, 209 weeks at world No. 1, and a career that spanned more than two decades — the numbers tell only part of the story. Here’s a quick-reference table of the biographical facts every fan should know.

What is Nadal diagnosed with?

What is Müller-Weiss syndrome?

• A rare degenerative condition of the adult navicular bone in the foot.
• Nadal was diagnosed after fracturing his foot during the 2005 Madrid Open final (The Straits Times).
• It mostly affects women aged 40–60, making Nadal an unusual case (MC Clinic).

The condition causes chronic pain and collapse of the navicular bone, which forced Nadal to adapt his famously explosive movement. He once described it as a problem he “lived with his whole career.”

How has Nadal’s diagnosis affected his career?

• Required frequent nerve injections and rest periods throughout his career (TrakPhysio).
• Influenced his playing style — fewer baseline sprints, more aggressive court positioning.
• Ultimately contributed to his decision to retire in 2024 at age 38.

The implication: Nadal’s 22 majors are even more remarkable given that he competed for nearly two decades with a foot condition that typically sidelines non-athletes permanently.

This trade-off defines his entire playing philosophy: every match was a negotiation between pain and performance.

How many children has Rafa Nadal had?

Is Rafa Nadal having a second child?

He already has. Nadal and his wife Maria Francisca Perello welcomed their second child, a daughter, in 2024. The first child, son Rafael Jr., was born in 2022 (People).

Who is Rafael Nadal’s wife?

Maria Francisca Perello — known as Xisca — married Nadal in 2019 after more than a decade together. She has kept a low profile, working as a marketing executive and managing the Nadal Foundation (Express).

Does Rafael Nadal have a son?

Yes, Rafael Nadal Jr., born in October 2022. Nadal said on Spanish TV that fatherhood “changed his life for the better” and gave him energy to keep playing (People).

The pattern: Nadal has deliberately kept his children out of the public eye — no names for the second child have been released — reflecting the same privacy he and Xisca have maintained throughout their relationship.

Is Rafael Nadal a billionaire?

Is Djokovic richer than Nadal?

• Novak Djokovic’s estimated net worth: around $240 million.
• Nadal’s estimated net worth: around $220 million.
• Both fall short of billionaire status, contrary to some online claims.

What is Rafael Nadal’s net worth?

Most estimates place Nadal’s net worth at approximately $220 million as of 2025. His wealth comes from prize money ($134 million in career earnings), endorsements (Nike, Babolat, Kia), and business ventures including his tennis academy in Manacor (ATP Tour).

Four metrics, one conclusion: Nadal and Djokovic are both immensely wealthy, but neither has reached the billionaire club that some headlines suggest.

The catch: Djokovic’s longer period at No. 1 and higher prize money give him a modest edge, but both players have lucrative endorsement deals that blur precise comparisons.

What is Rafael Nadal doing now?

When did Rafael Nadal retire?

Nadal announced his retirement on 31 October 2024, with his final tournament being the Davis Cup Finals in Málaga (19–24 November 2024). He played his last professional match on 19 November (Roland-Garros).

Who is the kindest tennis player?

Nadal is widely regarded by peers and media as one of the most gracious players on tour. His sportsmanship — often seen in post-match handshakes and support for rivals — has been noted by multiple players (People).

Rafael Nadal’s post-retirement plans

• Focus on raising his two children with Xisca in Manacor.
• Running the Rafa Nadal Academy, which trains young talents worldwide.
• Philanthropic work through the Rafa Nadal Foundation, supporting disadvantaged children.
• Occasional exhibition matches and continued involvement with the Davis Cup.

Why this matters: Nadal’s retirement isn’t a quiet exit — he’s building an infrastructure for the next generation, both through his academy and foundation.

Did Federer go to Nadal’s wedding?

Who attended Nadal’s wedding?

Roger Federer did not attend Nadal’s wedding in 2019 due to scheduling conflicts. However, he sent a public congratulation, saying he was “so happy for you both” (Express).

Rafael Nadal’s relationship with Roger Federer

The two former rivals share a deep mutual respect. Federer’s absence from the wedding did not affect their friendship; they have often praised each other’s careers and characters.

The takeaway: Their bond transcends rivalry — Nadal was among the first to congratulate Federer on his retirement, and Federer returned the sentiment.

Timeline of key moments

• 1986 – Born in Manacor, Spain
• 2001 – Turned professional
• 2005 – First French Open title; foot fracture leads to Müller-Weiss diagnosis (The Straits Times)
• 2008 – Won Wimbledon, first non-French Open major
• 2010 – Won US Open, completing career Grand Slam
• 2019 – Married Maria Francisca Perello (People)
• 2022 – Birth of first child, son Rafael Jr. (People)
• 2024 – Retired from professional tennis (Rafa Nadal Academy); birth of second child (People)

What’s confirmed — and what remains unclear

Voices from the legend and those closest to him

“My body is telling me it’s time to stop.”

— Rafael Nadal, retirement press conference, Rafa Nadal Academy

“I have lived with this problem my whole career.”

— Rafael Nadal, on his Müller-Weiss diagnosis, The Straits Times

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be there but I’m so happy for you both.”

— Roger Federer, on missing Nadal’s wedding, Express

“We are a normal family, but with a lot of attention.”

— Maria Francisca Perello, on family life, People

Nadal leaves behind a career that redefined tennis — not just through titles, but through grace in the face of constant physical adversity. For a generation of young players growing up on clay courts in Mallorca, the choice is clear: emulate his fighting spirit, or miss the same discipline he brought to every match.

For a comprehensive look at his journey, you can read a detailed biography and retirement covering his career highlights and transition out of professional tennis.

Frequently asked questions

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