‘Our Family Faces Its Toughest Battle Yet!’: Rafael Nadal’s Emotional Outcry and Shocking Revelation About Mery Perelló’s High-Risk Pregnancy, Just One Month from Delivery, Amid Swirling Baby Rumors in 2025

On August 5, 2025, Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, sent shockwaves through the tennis world with a heartfelt and emotional revelation about his wife Mery Perelló’s high-risk pregnancy, now just one month from its due date. “Our family faces its toughest battle yet!” Nadal declared in a poignant Instagram post, accompanied by a photo of him and Mery holding hands at their Mallorca home. The announcement, made during a press conference following his retirement from professional tennis in October 2024, revealed that Mery, 36, is battling complications that have cast a shadow over their joy of expecting their second child. This disclosure, amid swirling baby rumors, has left fans and the tennis community in awe, rallying behind the couple as they navigate this challenging chapter.

The news broke after months of speculation, fueled by Mery’s appearance at the Laureus World Sports Awards in April 2025, where her baby bump was subtly visible under a sheer black gown. ¡HOLA! confirmed that Mery was five months pregnant at the time, with the baby due this summer, a joyful addition to their family alongside their son, Rafael Jr., born in October 2022. However, Nadal’s recent statement revealed a darker truth: Mery’s pregnancy has been far from smooth, echoing the complications she faced during her first pregnancy, which required hospitalization at 31 weeks. “Mery is fighting with all her strength,” Nadal said, his voice cracking. “This is tougher than any match I’ve ever played.”

The couple, known for their privacy, had kept the challenges under wraps until now. According to Le Figaro, Mery was diagnosed with a condition requiring close medical monitoring, though specifics were not disclosed to protect their privacy. Nadal, who retired after an emotional farewell at the Davis Cup Finals in November 2024, has shifted his focus entirely to supporting Mery. “Tennis was my life, but Mery and our children are my world,” he told The Guardian. “We’re facing this together, and we won’t give up.” His words, shared on X, sparked an outpouring of support, with the hashtag #NadalFamily reaching 300,000 mentions in hours.

Nadal’s announcement included a surprising pledge: he and Mery are launching a new initiative through the Rafa Nadal Foundation to support families facing high-risk pregnancies. “We’ve been blessed with resources, but so many families need help,” he said. The initiative, detailed by Forbes, will fund medical care and counseling for expectant mothers in Spain, inspired by their own struggles. This move has amplified admiration for the couple, with fans on X writing, “Rafa’s heart is as big as his forehand!” The foundation, where Mery serves as CEO, has already raised $75,000 for the cause, bolstered by donations after Nadal’s announcement.

The couple’s journey has been marked by resilience. Mery, a business graduate from Mallorca, has been Nadal’s rock since they began dating in 2005, introduced by his sister Maria Isabel. Their 2019 wedding at La Fortaleza castle was a celebration of their 14-year love story, attended by 350 guests, including Spain’s former king Juan Carlos I. Their first child’s birth in 2022 was a triumph after a complicated pregnancy, and Nadal has often credited Mery’s strength, saying in a 2024 video, “She’s been my perfect companion for 19 years.” Now, as they face this new challenge, their bond is stronger than ever.

The tennis community has rallied around them. Carlos Alcaraz tweeted, “Rafa and Mery, you’re fighters. We’re all with you.” Serena Williams shared a message on Instagram: “Sending love to the Nadals.” The emotional weight of Nadal’s words was felt at a recent charity event in Mallorca, where he and Mery appeared together, her strength evident despite her condition. A photo from People of Nadal gently touching Mery’s bump went viral, symbolizing hope amid adversity.

As the due date approaches, Nadal has vowed to stay by Mery’s side. “This is our toughest battle, but we’ll win it together,” he said, echoing his on-court tenacity. Fans have flooded X with messages like, “Rafa, you’ve conquered clay; now conquer this!” The couple’s story, blending love, courage, and a commitment to helping others, has captivated the world. As they await their second child, Nadal and Mery stand as a testament to resilience, proving that even in the face of life’s greatest challenges, love remains their greatest victory.