In an emotional announcement that shocked the tennis world and beyond, Rafael Nadal and his wife, María Francisca Perelló, are preparing to welcome their second child, a daughter, due this summer. The couple, known for their private lifestyle, surprised their fans not only by revealing the baby’s arrival, but also by revealing the unique name they have chosen for their daughter, a name they say “is a tribute to our origins and our dreams.” The revelation caused a worldwide stir, as fans, celebrities, and media outlets delved into the name’s meaning and celebrated the Nadal family’s growing legacy.

The news swept social media when María Francisca, affectionately known as Mery, shared a rare glimpse into her private life in an enthusiastic Instagram post. The photo showed the couple on a quiet beach in Mallorca, with Nadal hugging his wife protectively as they smiled brightly. The caption read: “Our hearts are full of hope as we await our daughter. Her name is a tribute to our origins and our dreams.” The post was accompanied by a handwritten note revealing the name: State Mar, a poetic expression meaning “star of the sea.”

The announcement comes less than three years after the birth of their first child, Rafael Nadal Jr., in October 2022. With their second child on the way, the Nadal family is about to grow, and the choice of such a distinctive name has captivated fans, who have admired the couple’s deep connection to their Spanish heritage.

The name Estrella Mar has sparked great fascination for its lyrical beauty and cultural significance. In Spanish, “Estrella” evokes the brilliance of a star, a symbol of hope and guidance, while “Mar” reflects the sea, a nod to the Mediterranean waters surrounding beloved Mallorca. Sources close to the couple confirm that the name was chosen to honor their island roots and share a dream of a bright future for their children.

“Estrella Mar is a name that reminds us of home,” Nadal said at a private family gathering, according to a family friend. “It’s a tribute to our Mallorcan roots, where the sea and the sky have always inspired us, and to our dream of seeing our daughter shine in her own way.” Its uniqueness has drawn comparisons to other celebrity names, but fans say it stands out for its genuine authenticity.

The announcement sparked a wave of love on social media, and the hashtag #erestrellamar became a worldwide trending topic on X. Within hours, fans flooded the couple’s posts with congratulations, many surprised by the name’s poetic charm. “Rafa and Mery always do things with such grace! This name is perfect!” wrote one fan. Another added: “Estrella Mar will be a star, just like her father!”

Other tennis stars also attended the festivities. Nadal’s longtime friend and rival Roger Federer commented, “What a beautiful name! Congratulations, Rafa and Mery!” Serena Williams posted a Heart Emoji with the message, “Can’t wait to meet Estrellita!” Even non-tennis celebrities, like Spanish actress Penélope Cruz, joined in the celebration, calling the name “absolutely magical.”

Nadal and Perelló, who married in 2019 after 14 years together, have always kept their lives private, making this public announcement even more significant. Despite Nadal’s worldwide fame as a 22-time Grand Slam champion, the couple led a low-key life in their hometown of Manacor, Mallorca. Their decision to share the name Estrella Mar before her birth marks a moment of unusual openness that fans have welcomed.

The couple’s dedication is well-known to their family. Nadal, who retired from professional tennis in November 2024, has repeatedly expressed his desire to prioritize fatherhood and his Rafa Nadal Academy. Perelló, a philanthropist and director of the Rafa Nadal Foundation, is equally committed to shared values. “Family is our priority,” Nadal explained in a 2024 interview. “Every decision we make is focused on the happiness of our children.”

The arrival of Estrella Mar opens a new chapter in Nadal’s legendary legacy, one that extends far beyond tennis instruction. Nicknamed the “King of the Weeping Earth,” Nadal redefined the sport with his relentless spirit and a record 14 titles, starting at the French Open. Now a family man, he’s ready to shape the next generation with the same humility and passion that defined his career.

There is already much speculation about whether Estrella Mar and his brother, Rafael Jr., will follow in their father’s footsteps. Although Nadal has stated that he will not force his children to pursue tennis, he hopes to instill in them the values of hard work and respect. “I want them to find their own path, whatever it may be,” he told the press last year.

As the world awaits the arrival of Estrella Mar, the Nadal family’s fan announcement reminded fans of the power of love and heritage. The name, with its celestial and nautical symbolism, offers a glimmer of hope in these uncertain times. For Nadal and Perelló, it’s a deeply personal choice that reflects their journey as a couple and their dreams for their daughter.

“Estrella Mar will make our lives easier,” Perelló tells his friends, words that reflect the sentiments of millions. As the tennis legend and his wife prepare for their next adventure, the world looks ahead, ready to welcome a new star into the Nadal family.