PURE JOY! RAFA NADAL AND MERY WELCOME BABY MIQUEL, A HEARTFELT TRIBUTE THAT’S GOT THE WORLD WEEPING

By Sarah Thompson, Sports Correspondent in Melbourne

Melbourne, 11 August 2025 – The tennis world is buzzing with pure joy as Rafael Nadal and his wife, Mery Perelló, welcomed their second little champ, a boy named Miquel, on 7 August. The name, a deeply moving nod to Mery’s late father who passed away two years ago, has struck a chord with fans across the globe. In a tearful moment that’s gone viral, Mery opened up about the emotional story behind the name, leaving hearts melted from Melbourne to Mallorca. Adding to the outpouring of love, Alex Eala, the young gun from Nadal’s academy and a rising star in her own right, choked up as she sent her congrats: “Rafa, my inspiration, this is a bloody beautiful gift for your family!”

The announcement came straight from the heart of the Nadal family, with Mery sharing the story during a press conference in Mallorca, where the couple resides. “Miquel was my father’s name,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. “He was my rock, my guide, and he left us too soon. Naming our son after him is our way of keeping his spirit alive.” The raw honesty of her words, coupled with Rafa’s quiet support by her side, has turned this personal moment into a global sensation. Fans on social media, especially in Australia where Nadal is a beloved figure after his 2009 and 2022 Australian Open triumphs, have flooded X with messages of love. “Rafa and Mery naming their boy Miquel is just so bloody touching. What a legend,” one Aussie fan posted.

Nadal, the 39-year-old tennis icon with 22 Grand Slam titles, has always been a family man at heart. Since marrying Mery in 2019, the couple welcomed their first son, Rafael Jr., in 2022, and now little Miquel completes their growing tribe. Despite his relentless schedule and ongoing recovery from injuries, Rafa has made it clear that family comes first. “Being a father is the greatest victory of my life,” he said in a statement, his trademark humility shining through. “Mery and I are over the moon, and we’re so grateful for the support.” The couple’s decision to honour Mery’s father has added a layer of depth to their public image, showing a side of Rafa that’s more than just the King of Clay.

Enter Alex Eala, the 20-year-old Filipino prodigy who trained at Nadal’s academy in Mallorca. Eala, who’s been making waves on the WTA tour with her fearless game, was one of the first to publicly congratulate the Nadals. In an emotional post on X, she wrote, “Rafa, you’ve inspired me on and off the court. Seeing you and Mery welcome Miquel, named after her dad, is a bloody beautiful moment. It’s a gift for your family and all of us who look up to you.” Eala’s connection to Nadal runs deep; she credits the Spaniard’s work ethic and humility for shaping her career. Her heartfelt words have resonated with fans, especially in Australia, where she’s competed in the Australian Open juniors and won hearts with her gutsy play.

The story of Miquel’s name has sparked a wave of emotion, particularly in Australia, where Nadal’s grit and grace have long been admired. Mery’s father, a respected figure in their hometown of Manacor, passed away in 2023 after a battle with illness. Naming their son after him is a poignant tribute that’s hit home for many Aussies who’ve lost loved ones. “It’s not just about tennis; it’s about family and legacy,” said a Melbourne-based commentator on SEN Sports. “Rafa and Mery have shown what really matters, and it’s got us all a bit teary.” Posts on X with hashtags like #BabyNadal and #MiquelTribute have trended Down Under, with fans sharing stories of their own family tributes.

This moment comes at a pivotal time for Nadal, who’s been battling injuries but remains a force on the ATP tour. His 2025 season has been a mix of comebacks and challenges, with a semifinal run at Roland Garros and a doubles bronze at the Paris Olympics alongside Carlos Alcaraz. Yet, off the court, it’s clear that fatherhood is his proudest achievement. Sources close to the couple say Rafa has been hands-on with Rafael Jr., often spotted pushing a pram around Mallorca, and he’s already planning to teach Miquel how to hold a racquet – though he jokes it’ll be “no pressure, just fun.”

Eala’s involvement adds another layer to the story. As one of the brightest talents to emerge from Nadal’s academy, she’s a testament to his legacy beyond the court. “Rafa doesn’t just teach you tennis; he teaches you heart,” she said in a recent interview. Her emotional reaction to Miquel’s birth has sparked speculation about her own future, with many Aussies hoping she’ll make a splash at the 2026 Australian Open. “Eala’s words show how much Rafa means to the next generation,” a fan tweeted. “This is why he’s a true champ.”