Rafael Nadal, the 39-year-old tennis legend who won 22 Grand Slam titles, has revealed a new daily routine centered on his family life after retiring from professional tennis in 2024. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Nadal detailed how his days are now filled with the responsibilities of fatherhood to his two young sons, Rafael Jr., born in 2022, and Miquel, born in 2025, rather than the rigorous training schedules of his playing career. Perdón, es lo que tiene ser padre
(Sorry, that’s what being a father is like
), Nadal said, explaining that his commitment to his children often makes him late for his own appointments.
Despite his global fame, which grew beyond the tennis court to include modeling for Tommy Hilfiger and a cameo in Shakira’s “Gypsy” music video, Nadal kept his wife, Mery Perelló, and his family away from public scrutiny. Mi familia prefirió mantenerse un poco alejada de toda esta atención
(My family preferred to stay a little away from all this attention
), Nadal told PEOPLE magazine before the premiere of his Netflix docuseries. This privacy allowed him to lead a normal life when he was at home, a balance he believes made his family happier and contributed to his own personal happiness.
A Day in the Life: School Runs and Office Work
On a typical day at his home in Manacor, Spain, Nadal’s routine begins at 8:30 a.m. His first task is to take his children to school. Luego normalmente intento ir al gimnasio y quedarme en la oficina durante toda la mañana
(Then normally I try to go to the gym and stay in the office all morning
), he recounted. His afternoons are also dictated by his children’s schedule; he makes it a point to pick them up from school at 3:30 p.m. and spend the rest of the afternoon with them. Intento recoger a los niños a las 3:30 y luego intento pasar la tarde con ellos
(I try to pick the children up at 3:30 and then try to spend the afternoon with them
).
This new schedule is a stark contrast to the grueling training regimens overseen by his uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal. Nadal admits that while the nature of his exhaustion has changed, the level of it remains high. The time he once dedicated to his other passions, golf and fishing, has been significantly curtailed. Es extraño decirlo, pero no hay mucho golf, ni mucha pesca
(It’s strange to say it, but there’s not much golf, nor much fishing
), Nadal commented. Tengo dos niños pequeños. Tengo trabajo que hacer
(I have two little children. I have work to do
).
Balancing Family and Professional Pursuits
Nadal emphasizes that he is enjoying this new chapter of his life. Me encanta ser padre
(I love being a father
), he stated in his Netflix documentary, calling it una experiencia maravillosa, una de las mejores
(a wonderful experience, one of the best
). He particularly cherishes the daily school runs, noting, Sobre todo me gusta llevarlos al colegio por la mañana y recogerlos por la tarde
(What I like most is taking them to school in the morning and picking them up in the afternoon
).
The retired athlete is actively balancing his time with his family with his professional responsibilities. He remains deeply involved in the management of his Rafa Nadal Academy and his foundation. Estoy disfrutando de ambas cosas
(I’m enjoying both things
), Nadal said, referring to family life and his work commitments. This balance also extends to a new potential role in sports administration. El Debate reported that Nadal is expected to be approved as a member of the Real Madrid board of directors at the club’s general assembly on November 21, 2026.
A Return to the Court in 2027
While his daily life is now focused on his children and business ventures, Nadal is not completely stepping away from tennis. Fuentes Informadas reported that the Mallorcan star will return to the court for an exhibition match at the MGM Slam in Las Vegas on February 28, 2027. The event, to be held at the T-Mobile Arena, will mark his second appearance on a professional-style court since his retirement. His first was a few weeks ago at an exhibition for the 10th anniversary of his Rafa Nadal Academy.
Voy a jugar porque quiero disfrutar de la preparación que se exige y de la sensación de volver a jugar a tenis delante de un gran público.
Esto lo hago por mí mismo, porque deseo disfrutar de este deporte de nuevo
(I am going to play because I want to enjoy the preparation that is required and the feeling of playing tennis again in front of a large audience.
Nadal also addressed speculation about a possible exhibition match with his long-time rival, Roger Federer. Estoy abierto a esa posibilidad y he mantenido largas conversaciones con Roger
(I am open to that possibility and I have had long conversations with Roger
), Nadal said, adding that while they talk regularly, nothing is decided yet. Estamos en contacto prácticamente todas las semanas.
Hablamos muy a menudo y, si en algún momento encontramos el motivo y el lugar adecuados para hacer algo juntos, ya os enteraréis
(We are in contact practically every week.
We talk very often and if at some point we find the right reason and place to do something together, you will find out
).
Nadal Manages Physical Recovery Challenges
Nadal is also candid about the physical challenges of returning to the sport. He underwent surgery on his right hand nearly a year ago to treat pain and regain mobility, which left him unable to do much for four months. Estoy golpeando la pelota bastante bien, para ser sincero. La movilidad es otra historia
(I am hitting the ball quite well, to be honest. Mobility is another story
), he admitted. Necesito ir paso a paso para recuperar la forma. Si quiero evitar lesiones, mi cuerpo, que ya tiene unos años, necesita tiempo y paciencia
(I need to take it step by step to get back into shape. If I want to avoid injuries, my body, which is already a bit old, needs time and patience
).
His relationship with other players, like Novak Djokovic, is different from his bond with Federer. En cambio, Novak sigue compitiendo
(In contrast, Novak is still competing
), Nadal noted, explaining that their conversations are less frequent due to Djokovic’s active tour schedule. As he moves through retirement, fatherhood, and new professional ventures, Nadal's focus remains on enjoying the present while staying open to future opportunities, both on and off the court.
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