Former world No.1 Rafael Nadal will be getting married later this year after proposing to his girlfriend eight months ago, according to Spanish publication Hola!
The 32-year-old has been in a relationship with Xisca Perello for 14 years, but the two keep a low profile from the media. Also known as Mery, Perello is a business graduate and insurance worker. She currently serves as the Director of Strategy and Relations with Institutions for the Rafa Nadal foundation.
It is understood that the couple had chosen to keep their engagement a secret from the public until now. Nadal purposed to Perello in Rome in May during a romantic trip to the city. It is unclear if the proposal coincided with the week he played at the Italian Masters. The Spaniard won the Masters 1000 tournament after defeating Alexander Zverev in the final.
En ¡HOLA!, Rafa Nadal y Mery se casan. 🎉 ¡Descubre todos los detalles en la revista de esta semana! https://t.co/BcP6F1aa5u pic.twitter.com/dJBdzRuGUX
— Revista ¡HOLA! (@hola) January 30, 2019
According to Hola!, the ceremony will take place during the autumn in Nadal’s homeland of Mallorca. No further details about the wedding has been provided. Perello was present at this year’s Australian Open to watch her partner play in the tournament for only the second time since they began dating.
“As I said to you a couple of years ago in 2017, I think it was the first time she was able to be here, that she had received a wildcard in that moment and now after 14 years together she doesn’t need wildcards,” Nadal commented on his partner’s presence in Melbourne.
“She comes wherever she wants.”
Nadal has previously spoken about his desire to one day start a family. During an interview with Argentine talk show Con Amigos Asi in 2017, he said his plan to have children is being delayed by his tennis career. Although he is the only member of the big four contingent yet to become a father.
“I would love to have children, boys, girls… I’m a person who loves kids and I’m a family guy,” He said.
“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.”
“I think it’s also above all about looking after the kids.
“I don’t know if it [travelling throughout the year when you have children] is ideal.”
Recently finishing runner-up to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, Nadal will return to the tour next month at the Mexican Open.
