Rafa Nadal needed four sets to get through the first round in the US Open. The Spanish star is competing at a Slam for the first time since withdrawing from the semifinal at Wimbledon. It emerged that Nadal has off court concerns regarding his pregnant wife Mery Perello and their newborn child.
The Spaniard is said to be furious after video showing the moment his wife was admitted to a hospital in Mallorca was leaked to the media. In addition to the video, it has emerged that Perello’s medical history was also leaked to the press. This led to paparazzi and others to camp out at the hospital looking for news.
According to various sources the medical history leaked shows that Perello is 31 weeks gestation and will need to stay in hospital until she reaches 34 weeks. This is purely precautionary, and Perello is reportedly not in any danger and neither is their unborn child.
Slow Start Explained?
Nadal himself has remained in the U.S. knowing that neither his wife or child are in danger, but obviously he will be concerned, as anyone would be. The 22-time Grand Slam winner made a slow start against Rinky Hijikata and lost the first set.
The match itself lasted over three hours, something that is not advisable for someone coming back from a recent injury. The slow start is likely to be over his concern for his wife. The Spaniard and Perello’s family are reportedly even considering moving Mrs Nadal to a different hospital so that she can maintain her privacy.
The families are understandably furious about someone leaking both sets of information to the press. Nadal and his family are going to try and find out who is responsible and action will likely be taken. Perello is not alone at the hospital; Nadal’s sister Maribel is there. Her parents are also with their daughter at this time.
Nadal could do without this extra worry on his shoulders as he tries to take his 23rd Grand Slam. Hopefully he can leave the details to his family, who will inform him if he needs to change his plans. But by the reports the family have issued, there is no pressing need for the 22-time Grand Slam champion to leave the U.S. at this time.
Main Photo from Getty.
