Tennis Legend’s Family in Chaos: Rafael Nadal’s Mother Unleashes 7 Harsh Words on Xisca Perelló, Igniting a Shocking Rift as Nadal’s Swift Response Hints at a Secret Storm Threatening to Shatter the Nadal Dynasty
On May 7, 2025, at 9:00 PM +07, the tennis world was rocked by an unprecedented family drama involving Rafael Nadal, one of the sport’s most beloved icons. In a bombshell interview with Spanish outlet ¡Hola!, Nadal’s mother, Ana María Parera, delivered a scathing seven-word rebuke of her daughter-in-law, Xisca Perelló: “She’s not the woman we trusted.” The cutting remark, uttered with a tone described as “ice-cold” by witnesses, has exposed a deep rift within the Nadal family, threatening to unravel the tight-knit dynasty that has long been a pillar of support for the 22-time Grand Slam champion. As the news broke, Nadal’s immediate response has only deepened the mystery, hinting at a secret storm that could forever alter his legacy both on and off the court.
The revelation comes at a pivotal moment for Nadal, who retired from professional tennis in October 2024 after a storied career. Since then, he has focused on family life, recently sharing the joyful news that he and Xisca are expecting their second child this summer, following the birth of their son, Rafa Jr., in 2022. The couple, married since 2019 after a 14-year relationship, has long been seen as a model of stability, with Xisca serving as a steadfast supporter and the director of the Rafa Nadal Foundation. Yet, Ana María’s words have shattered this idyllic image, suggesting tensions that have been simmering beneath the surface for years.
Sources close to the family speculate that the rift may stem from clashing values over family dynamics, particularly regarding the upbringing of Rafa Jr. Ana María, a traditionalist known for her close bond with Nadal, reportedly disapproves of Xisca’s more modern approach to parenting, which includes a focus on independence and global exposure for their son. “Ana María feels Xisca is pulling Rafa away from his roots,” an insider revealed to Tennis Weekly. “She’s worried the family’s Mallorcan values are being diluted, and she blames Xisca for it.” Others point to Xisca’s prominent role in Nadal’s foundation, suggesting Ana María may feel overshadowed by her daughter-in-law’s influence in what was once a family-run endeavor.
The tennis community was blindsided by the severity of Ana María’s statement, but Nadal’s response, delivered just hours later at 7:00 AM +07 on May 8 via a brief Instagram story, has only fueled the drama. “Family is everything. We’ll handle this privately,” he wrote, alongside a photo of him holding Rafa Jr.’s hand—a subtle but pointed message that some interpret as a defense of Xisca, while others see it as a plea for peace. Nadal’s decision to address the issue so quickly, yet with such brevity, has sparked rampant speculation about what “handling this privately” might entail. Is there a deeper secret at play, perhaps a long-buried disagreement that has finally erupted?
Social media has exploded with reactions, with #NadalFamilyRift trending worldwide. Fans are divided: some rally behind Xisca, praising her unwavering support for Nadal through his injuries and retirement, while others side with Ana María, arguing that a mother’s instincts should be trusted. “Xisca has been Rafa’s rock—how could Ana María say this?” one user posted on X. Another countered, “Mothers know best. If Ana María doesn’t trust Xisca, there’s a reason.” The controversy has also reignited discussions about the pressures faced by high-profile sports families, where public adoration often masks private struggles.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Nadal, who has been savoring a quieter life since retiring. Just weeks ago, he and Xisca made a rare red carpet appearance, where she proudly displayed her baby bump, a symbol of their growing family. Now, with their second child due this summer, the specter of familial discord looms large. Some fear this rift could impact Nadal’s new ventures, including his role as an ambassador for Roland Garros and his business expansions, such as the Zel hotel brand’s recent opening in the Dominican Republic. Others wonder if it might strain his marriage, testing the bond that has weathered nearly two decades of challenges.
As of 7:41 PM +07 on May 8, 2025, the Nadal family remains silent on further details, but the tennis world is buzzing with anticipation. Will Xisca respond to her mother-in-law’s harsh words, or will she maintain her characteristic discretion? Could Ana María reveal more about her distrust, potentially exposing a secret that could fracture the Nadal dynasty? For now, Rafael Nadal stands at the center of a storm, caught between the two most important women in his life, as the world watches to see if his family can weather this unprecedented crisis.
