In an intimate and candid interview, Rafael Nadal explained how the arrival of his son, Xavier, transformed his outlook on life, shifting his priorities from the relentless demands of his tennis career to a deeper focus on family. The tennis legend, who has been one of the most dominant forces in the sport for more than two decades, opened up about the profound impact fatherhood has had on his marriage to Maria Francisca Perello (Xisca) and his overall outlook on life.

Nadal, who has always been known for his determination and fierce commitment to his sport, admits that becoming a father has changed his life in ways he never could have imagined. While his career on the tennis court has earned him countless accolades and millions of fans, it is his role as a father that gives him the deepest sense of accomplishment today.

“Becoming a father is the best thing that ever happened to me,”   Nadal said.   “It’s a whole new chapter, which brings a different kind of joy and perspective. I’m no longer just focused on winning trophies or chasing records. My priority now is my family, especially my son.”

Nadal and Xisca’s first child, Xavier, was born in 2022, marking a major milestone in their lives. The couple, who have been together for over 15 years, have always kept their private lives out of the spotlight, but Nadal’s openness about fatherhood has allowed fans a rare glimpse into his personal world.

Nadal also spoke about how his relationship with his wife, Xisca, has evolved since becoming parents. The couple, who tied the knot in 2019 after years of dating, have always been a private couple, away from the public eye compared to other celebrity couples. However, Nadal admits that the arrival of their son has brought them even closer, strengthening their bond in a way that only parenthood can.

“Xisca has been incredible,”   Nadal said fondly.   “She has always been my rock and now, with our son, our relationship has become even stronger. We share everything together. Having a child has brought us even closer and we support each other more than ever.”

The couple has had to deal with the ups and downs of Nadal’s demanding career, with long periods of separation due to his travels and training. Yet Xisca has always supported him in his triumphs and defeats. Today, with their son, they have created a family that Nadal says has given him a sense of stability and peace he had never known before.

While Nadal’s passion for tennis is undeniable, he admits that fatherhood has led him to reevaluate the balance between his career and personal life. In the past, Nadal’s commitment to the sport was all-consuming: his relentless pursuit of Grand Slam titles left little room for anything else. But now, with Xavier in the mix, Nadal has found a renewed sense of joy in simply being with his family, even if it means stepping away from the court more often than before.

“It’s important for me to be there for my son,”   Nadal said.   “There are days when I just want to be with him, watch him grow up and experience the little moments that come with being a parent. Tennis will always be a part of my life, but I want to make sure I’m there for my family.”

This shift in priorities is particularly evident in how Nadal has approached his career in recent years. While he still competes at the highest level, Nadal has made it clear that his family now comes first, which has helped him maintain his happiness and sense of balance, even in the face of the pressures that come with being a global sporting icon.

The joy of being a father has not only brought Nadal closer to Xisca, but has also allowed him to enjoy a more balanced life. In the past, Nadal was primarily focused on his career, with little time to relax or pursue personal interests outside of tennis. But today, when he is not on the court, he enjoys spending time with his family, taking long walks with Xisca and Xavier, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

Fatherhood has also made Nadal more reflective, with the tennis legend admitting he now sees the world in a different light.   “Having a child changes everything. You look at life in a more relaxed and patient way. You start to appreciate the little moments – a smile, a laugh, the way they grow and learn. It’s really beautiful.”

Although Nadal remains committed to his tennis career, he acknowledges that the physical demands of the sport, combined with his new responsibilities as a father, have made him more aware of his limitations. Injuries and the burden of a long career have forced him to step back at times, and he now approaches his training with more caution, knowing that his body and mind need time to recover.

Balancing family life and professional commitments will undoubtedly play a role in Nadal’s future in tennis. While it is not yet known how many years he will continue to play at the highest level, Nadal is at peace with the idea that family will always come before tennis, whatever the future holds.

As Nadal reflects on his journey, he realizes that his legacy will extend far beyond the tennis courts. While his record-breaking career and numerous Grand Slam victories will secure his place in the sport’s history books, it is his role as a father and husband that will define the next chapter of his life.

“Tennis is what I do, but family is who I am,”   Nadal said with a smile. His frankness about the joy of fatherhood and the transformation it has brought to his life resonates with fans and serves as a reminder that no matter how great an athlete may be, family and love are the true foundations of happiness.

As Nadal continues to navigate the challenges of parenthood and his career, one thing is for sure: the next chapter of his life will be filled with as much love and joy as his illustrious tennis career has brought to millions around the world.