‘Rafa’s Choice Honours Our Unbreakable Bond’: Mirka Federer’s Emotional Reaction to Rafael Nadal’s Newborn Son’s Name Stuns Tennis World

The tennis world, still adjusting to Rafael Nadal’s retirement in November 2024, was rocked by an unexpected revelation that has set social media ablaze. Mirka Federer, wife of tennis legend Roger Federer, broke her silence with a heartfelt and surprising reaction to the name of Rafael Nadal and Xisca Perelló’s second son, born in July 2025. The newborn’s name, Rogerio Nadal, revealed a touching connection to Roger Federer, Nadal’s longtime rival and friend. Mirka’s emotional words, “Rafa’s choice honours our unbreakable bond,” have left fans in awe, sparking a wave of admiration and debate across the globe.

The announcement came via a discreet Instagram post from Nadal, showing a serene family moment in Mallorca: Xisca cradling Rogerio, with Nadal and their first son, Rafael Junior, by her side. The name Rogerio, a nod to Roger Federer, was a shock to the tennis community, given the storied rivalry between Nadal and Federer, who faced off 40 times, with Nadal leading 24-16. Their battles, from the iconic 2008 Wimbledon final to the 2017 Australian Open, defined a golden era of tennis. Yet, off the court, their friendship grew into a profound bond, marked by mutual respect and shared moments like their tearful doubles match at Federer’s 2022 Laver Cup farewell.

Mirka, who has remained a private figure despite her presence at Federer’s side throughout his 20 Grand Slam victories, rarely speaks publicly. Her statement, released through a family friend to a Spanish outlet, was a rare glimpse into her emotions. “Rafa’s choice honours our unbreakable bond,” she said, adding, “Roger and I are deeply touched that Rafa and Xisca chose Rogerio. It’s a testament to the love and respect our families share.” The name Rogerio, a Spanish variation of Roger, was reportedly chosen by Nadal to celebrate the friendship that transcended their on-court rivalry, a gesture that has moved fans to tears.

The tennis world erupted with reactions. Social media platforms buzzed with fans praising the gesture. “This is why Fedal is legendary—not just rivals, but brothers,” one fan tweeted. Others speculated on the deeper meaning, noting that Nadal’s decision came after Federer’s visit to the Rafa Nadal Academy in July 2025, where he was joined by Mirka and their twin daughters, Myla and Charlene. The visit, filled with laughter and nostalgia, reinforced the families’ closeness, with Federer’s children training at Nadal’s academy. “Mirka and I are so glad our children have trained at your academies,” Federer wrote in a 2024 tribute to Nadal, hinting at their deep connection.

However, not all reactions were positive. Some fans expressed skepticism, questioning whether the name was a publicity move. “Why name your kid after a rival? Feels forced,” one comment read, sparking heated debates. Others defended Nadal, pointing to his history of heartfelt gestures, like his emotional presence at Federer’s Laver Cup retirement. “Rafa cried with Roger in 2022. This is just Rafa being Rafa,” a supporter argued. The controversy only amplified the story’s reach, with hashtags like #RogerioNadal trending worldwide.

The choice of Rogerio also carries cultural weight. In Spain, naming a child after a respected figure is a tradition of honour, and Nadal’s decision reflects the admiration he expressed in a 2024 interview, calling Federer “my biggest rival” but also “a friend I trust with anything.” The name has sparked curiosity about whether Federer will reciprocate in some way, perhaps through a gesture at his own foundation, which has collaborated with Nadal’s in the past, notably during the 2010 Match for Africa exhibitions.

For Xisca, the birth of Rogerio came after a challenging pregnancy, with Nadal revealing her fragile health post-delivery. “She’s my strength, yet she’s fighting to recover,” he shared, adding to the emotional weight of the naming decision. Xisca, who directs the Rafa Nadal Foundation, has remained out of the spotlight but is said to have supported the choice of Rogerio, seeing it as a bridge between their families.

The tennis community, including Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, who joined Federer at Nadal’s French Open farewell in 2025, has rallied around the story. Djokovic commented, “Rafa and Roger show us what tennis is about—respect and love.” As Rogerio grows up, he’ll carry a name that symbolizes one of sport’s greatest friendships. Mirka’s words, “Rafa’s choice honours our unbreakable bond,” encapsulate a legacy that transcends titles, proving that even in retirement, Federer and Nadal continue to inspire. Their story, now linked through a child’s name, has left the tennis world in awe, celebrating a friendship that has redefined rivalry.