With 22 singles Grand Slam titles and a former number 1 ranking, Rafael Nadal has established himself as a legendary figure on the men’s tour. On top of his long list of accolades and dominating on-court performances, the Spanish tennis superstar’s private life has also garnered significant public attention.

The ‘King of the Clay’ has been involved in a romantic relationship with Maria Francisca Perello for nearly two decades. From childhood sweethearts to raising a family, here’s what you need to know about the 22-time singles Grand Slam champion’s love story.

Rafael Nadal never got over her first love Maria Francisca Perello

After meeting for the first time in their hometown of Manacor in Mallorca, the tennis player, who was 19 years old back then, started dating Francisca Perello, who was 17. During that period, Rafael Nadal also clinched his first Grand Slam title at the in 2005 French Open.

As he was diligently following his on-court endeavors, the Spaniard kept his private and romantic life away from the public lens. While explaining the reason behind the same in a press conference, Nadal said, “I’m already exposed enough in my professional life, my loved ones and I like to live with a low profile.” Francisca Perello, on the other hand, also preferred not to talk much about her relationship with the ATP player.

In Nadal’s 2011 memoir, Rafa: My Story, Francisca said, “The fact is that I just don’t feel comfortable talking about these things, even in private. It’s what works for me, and what works for Rafael and me as a couple. We wouldn’t have it any other way.” Even though they avoid talking about their personal life, the couple made their first red carpet appearance at the ATP World Tour Finals Gala in 2011.

After that, Nadal and Perello were also sighted sharing some heartfelt moments together in his player box at the 2012 French Open, where the Spaniard defeated his arch-rival Novak Djokovic in the championship game. Francisca also made an appearance on the 22-time singles Grand Slam champion’s Instagram, after their getaway in Basel, Switzerland. In his social media post, Nadal added the caption, “Taking a walk in #Basel”

Nadal and Perello dated for 14 years before they finally tied the knot in October 2019, at La Fortazleza, a 17th-century Spanish castle in Mallorca. After announcing he and his wife were expecting their first child in a press conference in 2022, the couple welcomed a baby boy.

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What do you think of the Spanish tennis legend and Francisca Perello’s love story? Let us know in the comments section.

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