Rafa Nadal and wife Xisca at centre of bombshell baby reports

Rafa Nadal and wife Xisca are reportedly expecting their first child together, sparking renewed speculation that the 22-time grand slam champion is on the verge of retirement.

Rumours have been swirling for months that this will be Nadal’s final year on the ATP tour, with the Spanish champion hinting at retirement a number of times in recent months.

And in a staggering twist on Wednesday, reports emerged that Nadal’s wife Xisca Perello is pregnant.

According to Spanish magazine Hola and widely reported by other agencies, Nadal and Xisca are expecting their first child together.

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Perello was reportedly seen wearing loose-fitting clothing when she attended the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid alongside her husband, as well as during the later rounds of the French Open – which Nadal won for a 14th time.

She was also reportedly sporting a noticeable baby bump as she soaked up the sun on Nadal’s yacht in Mallorca this week.

“I would love to have children, boys, girls…I’m a person who loves kids and I’m a family guy,” he said in 2017.

“But also I tell you that the reality is…the years keep passing.

“I would like to start to do all of this when my sporting life determines it.

“I think it’s also above all about looking after the kids.

“I don’t know if it [travelling throughout the year when you have children] is ideal.”