Rafael Nadal did not respond kindly to a question about his marriage (Image: Getty)
Former world number one Rafael Nadal is set to ride off into the sunset after retiring from tennis. The 22-time Grand Slam champion played the final match of his career on Tuesday after Spain bowed out of the Davis Cup quarter-finals against the Netherlands.
He will hang up his racket and enjoy a well-deserved respite with his wife, Xisca, and two-year-old son, Rafael Jr. The tennis icon has worked to keep certain aspects of his personal life as well as his partner . always wanted not to steal the spotlight.
However, some questions regarding Nadal's private affairs have crossed the line. But he and those close to him appear ready to embrace the second chapter of their retirement after closing the book on one of the greatest careers in sports history.
X-rated answer
An unfortunate journalist found himself on Nadal's bad side after suggesting his 2019 marriage to long-term partner Xisca could be seen as a distraction. The question arose in the aftermath of his loss to Alexander Zverev in the 2019 ATP Finals, to which the 38-year-old had to ask if the journalist was serious.
“Okay. I'm surprised, it's a big surprise for me that you're asking me that after 15 years of living with the same girl and a very stable and normal life,” said the angry Spaniard. “It doesn't matter if you put a ring on your finger or not. In my way, I'm a very normal guy.”
Nadal joked that the journalist in question – who would soon be celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary – may have been unsure about his bride before their big day. However, his next comment hinted at his frustration as he cut off the line of questioning.
“Okay. We're switching to Spanish, because it's bull***,” he continued. “Thank you so much.”
Nadal's wife Xisca (right) preferred to stay out of the spotlight (Image: Getty)
Xisca's position in tennis
Although she is very involved in his tennis foundation and general affairs, Nadal's partner of 17 years has always tried to keep her distance from the spotlight. Many fans often wonder why Xisca isn't seen at her spouse's games as often as some of her counterparts, but she explained the logic behind her absence succinctly.
“He needs his space when he's competing, and the thought of me hanging around and waiting for his needs all day tires me out,” she told the Telegraph in 2011. “It would suffocate me.
“And then he would have to worry about me… No. If I followed him everywhere, I think there is a risk that we would no longer get along.”
Post-retirement plans
After discussing one of the most remarkable stories in tennis history, discussions now turn to what awaits Nadal after his retirement. The Mallorca native is a big fan of fishing and plays golf regularly, but he might consider a business venture, according to his uncle Toni.
“If they offer him the job as manager of Madrid, he will surely say yes,” Nadal's former coach told Marca. “He loves football, but he doesn't understand why my team, which is Barça, touches him, passes him… He has his life focused, he has an academy and he will get more involved.”
Nadal had already admitted that he would like to succeed Florentino Perez as president of his beloved Real Madrid. And the club could perhaps do much worse if the sporting qualities were sufficient to continue.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/1978442/rafa-nadal-retirement-marriage-wife-tennis