What a match! Topless Rafael Nadal doesn't have a care in the world as he hits the beach in Mexico with stunning girlfriend Maria

He's set to fly to Indian Wells to defend his title but Rafael Nadal looked like he didn't have a care in the world as he relaxed with his girlfriend in Mexico.
After winning the title in Rio de Janeiro, the World number one took some much-needed some time off ahead of the Masters 1000 season.
And of course with Rafa being Rafa, there was a sporty twist added into the break too, as he and stunning girlfriend Maria Xisca Perello broke up the monotony of sunbathing with a spot of deep-sea diving and kayaking.

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Squinting in the sun: Rafael Nadal goes shirtless while his girlfriend Maria Xisca Perello bares her bikini body while spending a romantic time in the sea of Cancun, Mexico

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Beach bodies: Rafael Nadal and girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello showed off their lean figures as they hit the beach in Cancun

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Putting his back into it: Rafael paddles and takes the pressure off Maria as they take in the sights of Cancun by sea

Since Rafael, 27, is someone who takes his tennis career extremely seriously, he made sure he put his back into it as he clambered into the back of an orange kayak with Maria and paddled hard as the pair took in the ravishing surroundings of palm-lined Cancun.

 

With a huge smile on his face, Nadal showed off his muscular physique in a pair of swimming shorts as he enjoyed a cooling dip in the sea.
Meanwhile, Maria, who is affectionately called Xisca by friends and family, also displayed her enviable beach body in a monochrome bikini as the pair enjoyed their holiday.

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In synch: The pair find their stride in the deep blue sea as Nadal and Maria enjoy a relaxing break

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Taking it easy: Nadal takes a breather and allows Maria to take over and do the hard work

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Paddles up! The pair take a break from paddling and drift leisurely for a while...

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A helping hand: Maria looks on giggling as the boatman helps Rafael find his balance

The pair have been dating for the past few years and their romance seems to still be going strong.

Speaking about their relationship recently, friend Pedro Hernadez had said: 'Raf and Xisca are both very shy and ordinary people who like to live simply.
'They are not at all interested in a celebrity lifestyle. They get together when the tournaments are over. That’s how Raf winds down.'

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Beach bodies: Rafael and girlfriend Maria showed off their lean figures as they hit the beach in Mexico

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And stretch! Maria displayed her toned figure as she stretched in the sunshine

  

Described by friends as an 'intelligent girl from a good family', Xisca  studied business in Mallorca.
While the pair didn't put on a loved-up display for the cameras as many other celebrity couples seem to do on holiday, the affection between them was clear to see.
But it wasn't only Xisca's beach body which caused a stir on the beach, as Nadal is something of a celebrity everywhere he goes.

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Deep sea fun: The Spanish tennis star prepares to take a dive in the Caribbean Sea

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Catching up with pals: A sun-kissed Rafael chats with friends on the jetty as he relaxes in Cancun at dusk

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No rest for the wicked: Rafael and a chum are off again and head back to the hotel after a day's deep sea diving

The Spanish tennis star will be awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of the Balearic Islands in recognition of his athletic achievements and the values he has upheld during his career, the higher education institution said.

Nadal, who was born and makes his home in Manacor, a town on the Balearic Island of Mallorca, has shown a commitment to excellence, making him "one of the greatest athletes of all time," UIB said in a statement.
Nadal and his family have been contacted about the honor, the university said.
The tennis star and his family were happy to learn that he had been selected to receive the highest honor that the university in 'his land' can grant an individual, UIB said.
The 27-year-old, a 13-time Grand Slam champion, has won a record eight French Open titles.

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A contemplative moment: Rafael covers up in a pale pink shirt and stares distantly into the sea at sunset

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We know that face Nadal: The tennis star, famous for his loud grunts and grimmaces on court, zones out on the beach