Toni Nadal’s Explosive Revelation: Rafael Nadal and Mery Perelló’s Second Child’s Gender Unveiled, Stunning Tennis World
In a moment that has sent shockwaves through the tennis community, Toni Nadal, the legendary coach and uncle of Rafael Nadal, dropped a bombshell last night that has left fans, family, and the sporting world reeling. During an impromptu interview at a Rafa Nadal Academy event in Manacor, Toni inadvertently let slip the gender of Rafael Nadal and Mery Perelló’s second child, a closely guarded family secret that has now ignited global fascination. The revelation, described as a “stunning slip,” has unveiled that the couple is expecting a baby girl, marking a thrilling new chapter for the Nadal family.
Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion who retired from professional tennis in November 2024, and his wife, Mery Perelló, have long been known for their privacy. The couple, who welcomed their first child, Rafael Jr., in October 2022, announced their second pregnancy in April 2025, with Mery reported to be five months pregnant at the time. While the news of their growing family was met with excitement, the Nadals remained tight-lipped about further details, leaving fans speculating about the baby’s gender. That is, until Toni’s unexpected disclosure turned the tennis world upside down.
The revelation occurred during a casual conversation with Spanish media at the Rafa Nadal Academy, where Toni was discussing his nephew’s transition to life after tennis. “Rafa and Mery are so happy about the little girl coming,” Toni said, before pausing as if realizing his mistake. The comment, though brief, was enough to spark a frenzy, with reporters and attendees immediately grasping the significance of his words. Social media platforms, particularly X, erupted with posts hailing the news, with fans dubbing the unborn child “the future queen of Mallorca” and expressing awe at the Nadals’ expanding family.
For a family that has meticulously guarded their personal lives, Toni’s slip is nothing short of monumental. Rafael and Mery, who married in 2019 after nearly two decades together, have always prioritized keeping their son out of the spotlight. Their first pregnancy was fraught with complications, requiring Mery to remain under medical observation, which made their joy at Rafael Jr.’s birth all the more profound. This time, reports indicate a smoother pregnancy, with Mery glowing at recent public appearances, including the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, where her baby bump was proudly on display. The news of a daughter adds a new layer of excitement, particularly for Rafael, who has spoken candidly about the joys of fatherhood.
Toni’s revelation has also sparked intrigue due to its timing. Just months after Rafael’s emotional retirement at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, the Nadal family is embracing a quieter life in Mallorca. Rafael has been spotted enjoying family outings at Cúber Lake and focusing on his Rafa Nadal Foundation, while Mery continues her work with the academy. The arrival of a daughter, expected this summer, promises to bring fresh joy to their Porto Cristo home, complete with its infinity pool and stunning Mediterranean views.
The tennis world, still adjusting to Nadal’s absence from the court, has found a new reason to celebrate. Fans on X have flooded timelines with congratulatory messages, while some speculate about whether the baby girl might one day wield a racket like her father. Toni himself has hinted at Rafael’s reluctance for his children to pursue tennis, citing the sport’s grueling demands. “Rafa knows how hard it is,” Toni shared in a recent interview. “He’d rather they find their own paths.”
As the Nadals prepare for their daughter’s arrival, the unintended leak has humanized the iconic family, offering a rare glimpse into their private joy. Toni, who coached Rafael to 16 of his 22 Grand Slams, may have stirred the pot, but his love for his nephew’s family is undeniable. The tennis community, from Carlos Alcaraz to Novak Djokovic, is buzzing with anticipation, eager to see how this “little princess” will shape the Nadal legacy. For now, one thing is certain: Rafael and Mery’s daughter is already a star, captivating hearts before her first breath.
