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The women behind King Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal looks unstoppable at the US Open.
The second seeded Spanish ace, who is looking to win the number one spot from Novak Djokovic and be re-crowned the best tennis player in the world, showed the stuff that has won him many titles as he dropped a set for the first time at this year's Open before beating Philipp Kohlschreiber and booking a place in the quarter-finals against countryman Tommy Robredo.
Indeed, if Nadal displayed great form in the lead-up to the last major of the year, winning Masters titles in Montreal and Cincinnati, and is able to maintain his composure in times of adversity, it is because of three ladies in his life.
Girlfriend Xisca Perello, sister Maria Isabel Nadal and mother Ana Maria Parera help him restor the balance away from the courts.
He was quoted as saying, 'The best present they give me is to leave me alone, to give me peace, to let me get back to my real, normal life.'
The women behind King Rafael Nadal
Nadal has won all his 16 hardcourt matches this season and has a great opportunity to reclaim the top spot.
Besides his millions of fans, his mother, sister and girlfriend, who celebrate his victories as much as they cheer him up in defeat, are his primary source of emotional support.
In an interview with the Telegraph, he was quoted as saying: 'Family and support team cocoon me from the dangerously distracting hurly-burly that comes with money and fame.'
Sister Isabel says: 'Most boys growing up see their younger sisters as irritations, especially when they are teenagers but that has never been the way Rafael has treated me. He’s always urged me to come along when he goes out with his friends.
'It’s natural to us, even if others might sometimes find it strange, and it’s part of the secret of our special bond.'
The women behind King Rafael Nadal
The Spaniard, who has won 12 Grand Slam titles, says his family’s contribution to his success is priceless.
'Because when you leave a big event like this one, a big tournament like this one, you have no real life, like all players. I can't be a guy of my age.'
Says his mother, Anna Maria Parera: 'Deep down, he is a super-sensitive human being full of fears and insecurities that people who don’t know him would scarcely imagine.'
The women behind King Rafael Nadal
With 12 Slams in his pocket, he is not aiming for Roger Federer's record of 17 majors, yet.
'Winning 17 Grand Slam titles, that's miles away from me. I'm not even thinking about it,' the world No 2 says.
Besides encouraging her son unconditionally in every match, Ana Maria is president of the Rafa Nadal Foundation, which is dedicated to help underprivileged children through education and sport.
The women behind King Rafael Nadal
The sports superstar could have turned into a playboy, but back at home in Majorca it is the ravishing Maria Francisca Perello (Xisca) who keeps him grounded.
The beautiful couple regularly navigate the waters of Mallorca, Spain.
Xisca's spectacular figure always catches the attention of photographers, as it did when the couple was enjoying the delights of New York last week.
The women behind King Rafael Nadal
These two beautiful individuals are in a relationship for the last seven years, but it came to light just a few years ago.
Unlike the rest of the WAGS, Xisca is a natural beauty, with curly locks, who likes to keep it private and simple.
The women behind King Rafael Nadal
If Nadal is the epitome of good looks and a chiseled body, his 24-year-old lady love compliments him.
The women behind King Rafael Nadal
Having achieved the glittering distinction of becoming the only man to win eight singles titles at the same Grand Slam (French Open), can Nadal add another feather to his cap?
He's won the US Open just once in 2010. Can he do it a second time?
With the 'Lady luck' on his side, he should.