Newlywed Nadal: ‘It Was A Great Party’, Sets Sights On Another Celebration In Paris

Rafael Nadal returns to main draw action on Wednesday at the Rolex Paris Masters for the first time since winning the US Open title and also, for the first time as a newlywed. The 33-year-old Spaniard married longtime girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello on 19 October in Mallorca.

“The wedding had been a great day for me, for my wife, I think for the guests, too – for all the people that shared this special day with all of us,” said Nadal, ahead of his Paris opener. “It was a great party. I’ve been with my girlfriend for 15 years, so nothing’s changed in my normal life. Just was the moment to do it and we made it happen.”

The Spaniard could be celebrating another big milestone this week in Paris. Should Nadal win his first title at this ATP Masters 1000 tournament, he would clinch the year-end No. 1 ATP Ranking for the fifth time.

“Happy to be back here in Paris,” said Nadal, who has won a record 12 titles at Roland Garros. “As everybody knows, it’s the most important city in my tennis career without a doubt, even if I’ve never won here in Bercy.”

The World No. 2 begins his Rolex Paris Masters campaign on Wednesday evening against French wild card Adrian Mannarino.