The year 2023 brought its fair share of surprises, and just when you thought it couldn’t get any more astonishing, enter Right-handed Nadal! Rafael Nadal, the renowned left-handed tennis maestro, has added an adorable twist to his entourage during the 2024 Brisbane International – his one-year-old son.
On Saturday, Rafael Nadal showcased a promising return to form as he practised with fellow veteran Andy Murray, displaying no signs of the injury that marred his 2023 campaign.
In the stands, witnessing this encouraging development were Nadal’s wife, Maria Perello, and their one-year-old son, Rafael Jr. Born in October of the previous year, the couple had intentionally kept their little one out of the public eye. However, the adorable toddler has made a heartwarming appearance, accompanying his father to the ATP 250 tournament, marking his first attendance in almost a year.
The Nadal family, including their youngest member, has converged in Australia, and this reunion may potentially mark Nadal’s final appearance in the country. Heart-melting images surfaced, capturing Rafael Jr. donned in a white polo shirt, clutching a tiny tennis racquet in his right hand while attentively observing his father’s training sessions.
Nadal’s last competitive outing dates back to the 2023 Australian Open, where a hip injury during the second round forced him into a year-long hiatus. The 22-time major champion concluded his 2023 campaign with a round-two loss at the Australian Open in January. Subsequently, Nadal opted for surgery in June to address his troublesome hip, signalling a period of rehabilitation.
