The news has shocked the sports world: Rafael Nadal and his wife Xisca Perelló have revealed that their son, Rafael Jr., only four years old, has been diagnosed with mild autism. The little boy, according to the couple, doesn’t talk much, but enjoys hitting balls against the wall for hours.
The revelation was accompanied by sincere words from Perelló, who confessed that the first months were a challenge. “It was hard to understand, but harder was to accept that each child has their own rhythm,” she said through tears. Nadal, for his part, chose to face the situation with serenity and determination.
While Xisca insisted on beginning professional psychological therapy, Nadal believed that tennis could serve as a form of natural therapy. “The movement, routine and patience of the game can help you connect with the world,” said the champion, who knows well the transformative power of sport.
The story took an unexpected turn when fellow tennis player Gaël Monfils, laughing, commented: “The king of clay has a son who doesn’t even know how to hold a racket!” The phrase, although said in a humorous tone, provoked the immediate reaction of Nadal, who did not hesitate to defend his family firmly.
Visibly upset, Nadal addressed Monfils: “Shut up! What do you know about my family? You can joke with me, but never with my wife or my son.” His words, full of emotion, caused Monfils to publicly apologize shortly after. Xisca, hugging her son, could not hold back her tears.
Shortly after the incident, Nadal decided to act his way. He had a small tennis court built in the garden of his house in Mallorca. Without pressure or expectations, he began training his son every day, throwing him 100 slow balls, just for fun and connection.
It was during one of those afternoons that the miracle occurred. While they were gently hitting balls, Rafael Jr. broke his silence and said for the first time “Dad!” Nadal remained motionless for a few seconds, with tears in his eyes, while Xisca watched from the terrace, moved to the core.
That moment marked a before and after in the family. Rafael Jr. began to laugh as he hit the ball, and Nadal discovered that, beyond the trophies, that moment was his greatest victory. “I don’t need another Roland Garros, just to hear his laughter every day,” he confessed to those close to him.
The couple has decided to keep their son’s privacy, but their story has inspired thousands of families facing similar diagnoses. Nadal and Xisca showed that love, patience and understanding can be more powerful than any clinical treatment or medical prognosis.
Today, Rafael Jr. already holds a small racket and plays alongside his father on the center court in Mallorca. Although the road will be long, Nadal fully trusts his son. “If he learns to enjoy the game, he will have already won his first big title,” he declared with a smile full of pride.
