Rafael Nadal’s wife Maria Francisca is pregnant, couple expecting their first child: Reports

Fresh on the heels of winning his record 14th French Open title earlier this month, Rafael Nadal reportedly has more reason to celebrate. Several Spanish publications are reporting that Nadal is expecting his first child with wife Maria 'Xisca' Francisca Perello.

Spanish magazine ¡HOLA! was the first to report the news on Wednesday, followed by other publications like the daily El Mundo.

"It all started as a rumor, and after weeks of intense speculation, ¡HOLA! magazine has been able to confirm that Rafael Nadal and María Francisca Perelló are expecting their first child," the news report read.

Speculation began around the time of the Roland Garros final on June 4, with many linking Xisca's loose clothing to a possible pregnancy. Nadal and Xisca dated for 14 years before they got married on October 19, 2019, in a private ceremony at La Fortaleza in Mallorca.

Neither Nadal nor his wife has commented publicly on the news so far.

Nadal also received some good news earlier in the day, as it was announced that the Balearic government has decided to honour the Mallorcan. The 36-year-old will be felicitated in Mallorca by Francina Armengol, the president of the Balearic Islands.

A grand ceremony is set to be organised to celebrate Nadal's accomplishments, which include 22 Grand Slams, 36 ATP Masters 1000 wins, two Olympic gold medals, and five Davis Cups among others.

Rafael Nadal begins grasscourt preparations in Mallorca

Rafael Nadal - Day 11: The Championships - Wimbledon 2019

There has been an air of uncertainty about Rafael Nadal’s participation in the grasscourt tournaments this year. Speaking after his French Open win, the Spaniard said he wouldn't play Wimbledon this year if he had to resort to drastic measures like taking injections on his foot to numb the pain caused by a chronic injury.

Nadal underwent a new treatment on his foot (Radiofrequency ablation) in Barcelona last week, and he was later seen walking with the help of crutches.

Marca, however, reported on Tuesday that Nadal has begun training on the grasscourts of The Country Club of Santa Ponca in Mallorca.

Earlier this week, his uncle Toni Nadal said he expects his nephew to take part in the grasscourt Slam as the 22-time Slam champion is responding well to the new treatment.

"First he said: Everything hurts. But when we talked yesterday, he said it's going much better. He wants to train. And if he has a small chance, he will play at Wimbledon. He goes to the grass on Monday," Toni Nadal said.