Rafael Nadal and long-term partner Xisca Perello expecting their first child

Rafael Nadal will be moving from clay court dominance to diaper runner with news he and his partner are expecting their first child.

Rafa and his wife are expecting.

Mens tennis’ all-time Grand Slam leader and his wife Xisca Perello are expecting their first child, according to reports.

The news comes hot on the heels of Nadal’s 14th French Open victory, taking him two clear of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic with 22 Grand Slams.

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After 17 years together, the couple are ready for the next stage of a relationship with Xisca pregnant according to Spanish Magazine Hola. The couple have yet to formally announce the news.

The 33-year-old Perello was spotted wearing loose fighting clothing during the Champions League Final between Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Speculation grew and reached a pinnacle after appearing to be sporting a baby bump on a yacht as she enjoyed a holiday with Nadal.

The couple sent social media into a spin following Nadal’s French Open victory after a tender photo of the two after the win melted hearts.

Xisca took her husbands face in her hands, staring into his eyes with a mixture of love and pride after the stunning victory as Rafa stroked her face.

It’s a spectacular photo dripping with emotion.

Raquet.com tennis journalist Gaspar Ribeiro Lanca tweeted: “Rafael Nadal and his wife Xisca Perello with Felipe VI, the King of Spain in the background.

“The off-court photograph of the year, absolutely brilliant.”

The best photo of the french open ❤️😭 pic.twitter.com/YdW7bBpUbq

— Jade Exley (@exley3038) June 5, 2022

Xisca and Rafa were together for 14 years before marrying in 2019 and have kept their relationship private, which is no mean feat for one of the biggest athletes in the world.

Xisca also runs the Rafael Nadal Foundation.

She is not often seen on the sidelines either, saying that Nadal’s hyper-focus during competition can lead the pair to fight.

“He needs his space when he is competing,” she said in 2011.

“And just the idea of me hanging around and waiting on his needs all day tires me out.

“It would asphyxiate me. And then he would have to be worrying about me … No.”