Rafael Nadal’s touching speech at Roland Garros 2025: a moment of joy amidst tennis glory
Paris, May 29, 2025 – The clay courts of Roland Garros have long been the realm of Rafael Nadal, where his unparalleled dominance has etched his name in tennis history. Yet on this sunny afternoon at Roland Garros 2025, it wasn’t a forehand winner or a championship point that captivated the world, but a deeply personal moment that brought the packed stands of Court Philippe Chatrier to thunderous applause. In a post-match speech that will be remembered as one of the most emotional of his career, Nadal paid tribute to his wife, Xisca Perello, revealing her pregnancy and sharing an eight-word revelation about the sex of their baby, sparking an outpouring of joy in the stadium.
As Nadal approached the microphone after a grueling five-set semifinal victory, the crowd sensed something extraordinary was about to happen. The 38-year-old Spaniard, his forehead still beaded with sweat, paused, allowing room for a rare vulnerability. “My wife’s pregnancy makes me so happy,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. The simple yet profound words echoed in the air, prompting gasps and cheers from the audience. For a man known for his stoic focus on the court, this expression of genuine joy offered a glimpse into the heart of the fourteenth-time French Open winner.
Nadal’s relationship with Xisca Perello has always been a private sanctuary, away from the glare of his global celebrity. Married in 2019, they welcomed their first child, a son, in 2022. Their bond, rooted in their shared roots in Mallorca, has been a quiet source of strength for Nadal throughout his career. But on this day, he chose to share their happiness with the world. “Xisca has always been my rock,” he continued, scanning the stands as if searching for her. “This moment, this news, gives me more strength than any title.”
Then came the moment that transformed a touching speech into an unforgettable one. With a shy smile, Nadal leaned into the microphone and delivered an eight-word revelation: “We are so excited! It’s a girl!” The stadium erupted. Fans leaped to their feet, their applause thundering in celebration of the little family that had captured hearts around the world. The announcement, delivered with Nadal’s signature humility, was a true lesson in human connection, bridging the gap between a tennis icon and the thousands who admire him.
The reveal of the baby’s gender wasn’t just a personal event; it was a moment of shared joy that transcended sport. Spectators waved Spanish flags, and some wiped away tears, moved by the sincerity of a man who had given so much to tennis and who now stood before them as the future father of two. Social media, including X, lit up with messages from fans and other players congratulating the Nadals. “Rafa’s speech made me cry,” wrote one user. “A champion on and off the court!” Another posted: “A baby girl for Rafa and Xisca? The world is smiling today!”
On the court, Nadal’s performance at Roland Garros 2025 was nothing short of remarkable. Despite injuries and the weight of time, he continues to defy expectations, his unwavering spirit a testament to his nickname, the “King of Clay.” Yet this tournament revealed a softer side of the warrior. The announcement of his pregnancy, combined with his visible emotion, humanized Nadal in a way that resonates deeply with fans. It’s a reminder that even legends are driven by love and family.
As the tournament progresses, Nadal remains the favorite to add another title to his list of achievements. But for now, the spotlight is on his growing family. The image of Nadal standing on the clay, talking about Xisca and their unborn daughter, will remain etched in his memory long after the final ball. In a career marked by triumphs, this moment—raw, authentic, and radiant—may well be his greatest victory yet. The little Nadal family, who will soon welcome a daughter, has written the most unforgettable chapter of Roland-Garros 2025.
