Rafael Nadal’s Tennis Troubles Continue, But Wins Off Court By Getting Engaged To Girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello?

Rafael Nadal's tennis freefall continues as the Spaniard has yet to win a major in a Calendar season, but rumors are circulating that he's getting engaged to girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello.

According to Spanish Sun-Times, as shared by Media Mass, Spain's greatest tennis champ was spotted ring shopping with his girlfriend.

"The couple was seen closely eyeing some pricey bling in a couple of major jewelry stores," the report alleged. "Especially major diamond baubles that could only be described as the kind usually slipped on a woman's left-hand ring finger."

The tabloid claimed to have spoken to some friends of Rafael Nadal and his girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello and they are all confident that the couple is getting engaged sooner than later.

"He's madly in love with her," the insider claimed, adding that their "relationship is heating up."

On court, however, Rafael Nadal is not as lucky.

Rafael Nadal has not gone past the quarterfinals and saw his ranking drop from second to seventh.

But is the prospect of getting engaged to girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello giving him the confidence to win out there again?

"I think I am working well. I am very motivated to go for that challenge that brings me the chance to overcome a tough situation for me," he said in an interview. "I love that feeling, and I am going to fight to make that happen."

"It's obvious that when you lose more than what you won, you lose your confidence, no? But the confidence comes back with victories and with good feelings on court," he added.

Rafael Nadal blamed his lack of control over his emotions for his troubles on the court, but he's now getting better at reining in those emotions. "So I try a little bit to play with calm. I believe that sooner or later I will be playing at a very high level again," he added.

To date, Rafael Nadal and girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello have not yet issued a statement regarding the rumored engagement.