Mallorca – The scene could not have been more intimate or more powerful. Surrounded by his family, his close friends and some trusted journalists, Xisca Perelló spoke during the dinner commemorating the sixth wedding anniversary of Rafael Nadal. What was to be a brief thanks turned into a heartbreaking tribute that left all the presents into tears – and, later, thousands of fans on social networks.
“My husband brought glory to the family and the country,” the broken voice began. “But few know the wounds he has been wearing since childhood. Few know how cruel the world can be to a 16 year old boy who just wanted to play tennis. »»
Xisca’s words were accompanied by images projected on the big screen: unpublished photos of the young Rafa training in the rain, personal videos showing him bandaging his ankles after an injury, or even studying in planes in the middle of exhausting tours. Raw and authentic memories, far from the spotlight and the glamor that usually surround the idol of tennis.
XISCA revealed for the first time some of the most painful episodes of Rafa’s youth. She told how, at 16, after a humiliating defeat during a junior tournament in France, Rafa received anonymous threats in her school mail, accusing her of “betraying Spain”. It was his uncle Toni who hid these letters, fearing that they will undermine his self -confidence.
“Rafa never knew who sent them. But he knew how to react: to train harder, cry in silence and return to the field with more determination, “said Xisca.
For months, Rafa suffered from insomnia and anxiety, a phenomenon that even his nearby family did not really understand at the time. “Sometimes he locked himself in the bathroom for hours. He said he had a stomach ache, but it was actually fear. The fear of being disappointed. »»
The story between Rafa and Xisca is known for its discretion and solidity, but the moments when the couple’s love was a rescue buoy for the champion have rarely been mentioned.
XISCA admitted that it was a time, after a stinging defeat at Roland-Garros and a persistent injury, where Rafa had planned to definitively stop tennis. It was in 2015, one evening he melted in tears on the balcony of his house in Manacor.
He said to me, “I don’t know if I can continue.” And I replied, “You have nothing to prove to anyone, Rafa. But if you decide to fight, I will fight by your side.”
This moment, according to Xisca, was a turning point. Shortly after, Rafa returned stronger and won several titles, including his 14th historic victory at Roland-Garros.
But what moved the present ones the present is the letter that Xisca read aloud: a letter written by a 12 -year -old boy that Rafa met during a charity visit to a Madrid hospital.
“Thank you for coming, Rafa. It hurts everywhere, but when you smile on TV, it hurts less, “said the boy, suffering from terminal cancer.
Rafa remained in contact with the child for months, until his death. He never made this public link. According to XISCA, her husband asked that this gesture remains “between them”.
“He’s the man I married,” said Xisca, tears in his eyes. “Not just the champion. But the human being who, even when the world demanded everything from him, always found the strength to give more. »»
The speech video leaked on social networks a few hours after the event and became viral. Thousands of fans used the hashtag #graciasrafa to share personal anecdotes, photos with Rafa and even letters of thanks.
Personalities like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams have publicly commented on this tribute. Federer wrote:“Rafa has always been a warrior on the court, but what I admire the most about him is his dedication. »»
Six years after her marriage, and after almost two decades of a legendary career, Rafa Nadal not only marked the history of sport, but also left an indelible mark in the hearts of millions of people.
And as Xisca said by concluding his speech:
“The world has applauded its victories, but I applaud each time Rafa has chosen to be very silent, out of sight. And that … that’s glory. »»
In response to Xisca’s rare moment of public vulnerability, Rafael Nadal opened up in a deeply moving statement—one that showed not just the mind of a champion, but the heart of a humble man:
“I’ve never thought of myself as special. I just knew that if I didn’t fight, I’d lose everything. What kept me going was her—Xisca, who believed in me when the world didn’t. And my family. My country. They gave me the reason to carry on.”
It wasn’t a victory speech. It wasn’t rehearsed. It was raw, honest, and powerful. Behind every blistered hand and every win on court was a love story—of a boy who refused to quit, and a woman who refused to let him feel alone.
