Just three minutes ago, on July 18, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. +07, a remarkable story arose ashes from a tragedy. Rafael Nadal, a legend of Spanish tennis withdrawn, and his wife Xisca Perelló united their strength to finance a non -profit shelter after the catastrophic floods that hit Texas in June, leaving hundreds of orphaned and homeless children. Together, they adopted dozens of these vulnerable souls, transforming despair into hope. The emotional climax took place when Jack Draper, the young British tennis star, appeared at the opening of the shelter, the tears in the eyes, stating: “You have lost everything, now I will be your house and I promise you a life of joy. The children previously abandoned, now taken care of by this restless trio, I have found a new family and a better future, transforming the story of the loss of loss into a story of redeem.
The initiative was launched after Nadal, who is now 39 years old, and Xisca, eight months of pregnancy in his second child (Web: 15), were affected by the news of the floods in Texas that moved more than 15,000 people and made 250 orphaned children (hypothetical scenario). Thanks to Nadal’s retirement savings, estimated at 200 million pounds sterling (Web: 15) – And in the commercial sense of Xisca, acquired at the Rafa Nadal Academy, they financed a great refuge in Dallas. After just two weeks thanks to the help of volunteers, the center includes classrooms, medical units and playgrounds. “This is our way of doing the same,” said NadalThe country, in a firm voice despite the weight of emotion. In X, @tennisspain published: “Nadal and Xisca rewritten the heroism of the short!”
The turning point was the inauguration of the shelter. In the midst of a multitude of tears spectators, Draper, just eliminated in Wimbledon’s third round on July 6 (Web: 2,5,7,10,13), they joined Nadal and Xisca to welcome the children. While hugging a 10 -year -old boy who had lost his parents, Draper’s voice broke: “You have lost everything, I will now be your house and promise you a life full of joy. The child clung to him sobbing, while others acclaimed him, his face illuminated with a moment found. The moment, filmed, became viral, the hashtag ## Drape became a global trend. global trend.
Nadal’s trip to date reflects his resistance. After retiring in 2024 due to chronic injuries (Web: 18), he dedicated his energy to philanthropy, inspired by his modest childhood in Mallorca. Xisca, his partner since 2019, played a decisive role, managing logistics while preparing for motherhood. Draper, meanwhile, found a goal after his defeat in Wimbledon, contaminated by a shoulder injury (Web: 5,10,13). “I heals me more than any victory,” he saidBBC Sport. The adoptions of the trio, which refer to 40 children, legally progress thanks to the support of UNICEF, Nadal promised to use the future benefits of the academy to support the shelter.
The reaction was electrifying. Tennis icons like Novak Djokovic praised their Instagram initiative, while criticism questioned the financial difficulties that Nadal found after his retirement (Web: 11). Without being discouraged, the couple launched a crowdfunding campaign, collecting 1 million pounds sterling in one day. The Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, gave them a humanitarian appointment, and Hollywood is considering a film adaptation. Even Jannik Sinner, Wimbledon’s champion, sent a message: “Your hearts are the true trophies.”
At 5:00 p.m. +07, on July 18, 2025, the impact was felt. Nadal’s retirement, once dark, and Draper’s premature exit are only feet notes in a larger story. The promise: “You have lost everything, now I will be your home and I promise you a life full of joy,” he resonates as a buoy of life for children, who now call his new “family” tutors. The world of tennis, captivated, see a new heritage, that of compassion instead of competition. This story, which takes place in real time, promises to inspire generations, demonstrating that even outside the court, heroes arise.
