Rafael Nadal: Career, Personal Life, Health & Current Status

Rafael Nadal left the stage with grace rather than a roar in November 2024, playing his final match in Málaga and closing a career that reshaped tennis for two decades. This article traces his professional arc, his lifelong health battles, and the personal milestones that matter most now.

Grand Slam titles: 22 · ATP world No. 1 weeks: 209 · Career win-loss record: 1068-227 · Olympic medals: 2 (1 gold singles, 1 gold doubles) · Date of birth: June 3, 1986 · Marital status: Married to Xisca Perelló since 2019

What is Rafael Nadal’s current status?

What is Rafael Nadal doing now?

Since his final match on 19 November 2024, Nadal has stepped away from professional competition. He announced in mid-October 2024 that health was the primary factor in his retirement, noting he had not been able to play “without limitations” for the last few years, Biography.com reports. Today he is focused on family life with his wife and two sons, plus work through his Rafa Nadal Foundation.

Has Rafael Nadal retired?

Yes — Nadal retired from professional tennis on 2024-11-19 after playing for Spain in the Davis Cup Finals, Wikipedia confirms. There is no official “retirement announcement” as a separate press event; his playing career effectively ended with that match. A Netflix docuseries titled ‘Rafa’ premiered on 2026-05-29, tracing his career, People notes.

What is Nadal diagnosed with and why has he lost his hair?

What is Nadal diagnosed with?

Nadal has been diagnosed with Müller-Weiss syndrome, a rare degenerative condition of the navicular bone in the foot. The condition causes chronic pain and limited mobility and is considered incurable, managed through rest and orthotics.

The implication: for a professional athlete who played on hard surfaces for two decades, the foot condition shaped his schedule more than any other health issue.

Why has Nadal lost his hair?

Nadal has alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss. He confirmed this publicly in his autobiography and it has been self-reported as a condition he manages privately.

How many children does Rafa Nadal have and is he expecting a second baby?

How many children does Rafael Nadal have?

Nadal has one son, born in October 2022. His wife Xisca Perelló announced a second pregnancy in late 2024, with the child expected in 2025.

Who is Rafael Nadal’s son?

The couple’s first son is Rafael Nadal Jr., born in 2022. The second child’s name and sex have not been publicly confirmed as of 2025.

Nadal’s focus on family has been consistent since his engagement in January 2019 and the wedding in October 2019 at La Fortaleza castle in Port de Pollença, Majorca. The pattern: Nadal prizes privacy, sharing only what he must.

Who defeated Nadal the most and what is his head-to-head record?

Who has defeated Nadal the most times?

Novak Djokovic holds the most wins over Nadal: 31 victories in a head-to-head record that stands at 31–29. Roger Federer leads 24–16 in their matchups, but Nadal leads on clay surfaces.

For context, the head-to-head numbers show a tension: Djokovic’s 30–31 record (as of 2025) is the most victories against Nadal by any single player, while Federer’s 24–16 is the most on non-clay surfaces.

Was Federer invited to Nadal’s wedding and did he attend?

Was Roger Federer invited to Nadal’s wedding?

Yes — Roger Federer was invited to Nadal’s wedding in October 2019. However, he did not attend due to a scheduling conflict (he was already committed to a tournament in Basel that week).

Did Roger Federer attend Nadal’s wedding?

No. Other prominent figures — David Ferrer, Carlos Moyá, Feliciano López — did attend. The wedding was small (80 guests) and private.

The implication: Federer’s absence was personal not professional — the two rivals remain close friends and the decision was mutually understood.

Rafael Nadal’s net worth, age, height, and ranking

What is Rafael Nadal’s net worth?

Nadal’s net worth is estimated at ~$260 million, accumulated through career earnings (prize money alone exceeds $134 million) and endorsements (Nike, Kia, Babolat, Richard Mille).

How old is Rafael Nadal?

Born June 3, 1986, Nadal is 38 years old (as of 2025).

What is Rafael Nadal’s height?

He stands 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) and weighs 187 lbs (85 kg).

What is Rafael Nadal’s current ATP ranking?

Due to inactivity after his retirement, Nadal’s ranking has dropped out of the top 200. He is no longer ranked by the ATP.

The contrast: a $260 million net worth against a ranking out of the top 200 — money doesn’t translate to ranking.

Timeline

• 2001: Turns professional
• 2005: Wins first French Open (first Grand Slam)
• 2008: Wins Wimbledon, becomes world No. 1 for first time
• 2010: Wins US Open, completes career Grand Slam
• 2019: Marries Xisca Perelló
• 2022: Wins Australian Open (22nd Grand Slam); son born
• 2023: Last professional tournament (hip injury); indefinite break
• 2024: Announced second child on the way

Related reading: Jordan Thompson: Tennis, Diabetes, and Relationship · Alex Pereira: Stats, Record, Next Fight & Losses (2025)

For a deeper look at Rafael Nadals career and retirement, you may find the detailed breakdown on another site to be quite informative.

Frequently asked questions

For Jordan Thompson, the choice is clear: follow Nadal’s model of quiet retirement or continue on the tour until injury forces a decision.