Rafael Nadal makes rare admission about protecting wife Mery Perello from worldwide media attention

Rafael Nadal spent almost two decades as one of the biggest names in sports, but away from tennis courts, he worked just as hard to keep his family life private. Ahead of the release of his new Netflix docuseries Rafa, the Spanish tennis legend shared why he chose to keep his wife Mery “Xisca” Perello and the rest of his family away from the public spotlight for so many years.

Speaking to PEOPLE, Nadal said that decision helped his loved ones live a happier and more normal life despite his worldwide fame.“My family preferred to stay a little bit away from all this attention,” Nadal told PEOPLE. He explained that keeping them out of the spotlight allowed him to return home and enjoy a normal life in Mallorca, Spain. “In some way, I protected all of them from this world, and I think they were happier like this,” he said.

“In a personal way, I was happier, too, that I was able to have a very private life when I was at home.”Nadal became a global sports star when he won his first French Open title at just 19 years old. As his career grew, so did public interest in his life outside tennis. He appeared in major advertising campaigns and even featured in Shakira’s 2010 music video Gypsy. Still, he continued to keep his relationship and family life largely private.

Rafael Nadal says wife Mery Perello and sons helped him enjoy life beyond tennis

Rafael Nadal and Mery Perello were together for 14 years before getting married in October 2019. The couple welcomed their first son, Rafael Jr., in 2022 and later welcomed their second son, Miquel, in 2025. Since retiring from professional tennis in 2024, Nadal says family has become an even bigger part of his daily life. The 39-year-old said he now tries to spend as much time as possible with his children. According to Nadal, some of his favorite moments are the simple ones that happen every day.“I love being a father,” Nadal said. “It’s an amazing experience, one of the best. I especially like to bring them to school in the morning, to pick them up in the afternoon.”Even though he is no longer competing on tour, Nadal remains busy. He continues to work with the Rafa Nadal Academy and his charitable foundation, while also focusing on family life. He said he is enjoying both parts of his life right now. His new four-part Netflix series Rafa gives fans one of the closest looks ever at his personal life.

Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Zach Heinzerling, the project follows Nadal’s tennis journey, retirement and life away from the sport. It also includes rare moments with Mery Perello and their family, something fans have rarely seen throughout his career. For Nadal, opening that door now does not change how he felt about protecting his loved ones. Looking back, he believes keeping his family away from constant attention helped everyone stay grounded while he handled the pressures of being one of tennis’ biggest stars.