Rafael Nadal Shares the Surprising Joys of Fatherhood

Rafael Nadal Reveals How Fatherhood Has Been an Unexpected Adventure

Rafael Nadal David Becker/Getty Images

Rafael Nadal, the 37-year-old tennis superstar, recently became a father for the first time when his son Rafael was born in October 2022 to his wife Maria Francisca Perelló. Nadal admits that being a father has been more challenging than he expected. He has had to learn how to be a dad on the job.

“During a press conference on Saturday, March 2, he shared with E! News that everything surprises you because everything is new. Especially when you have your first child, everything is completely new for both my wife and me. We learn something new every day, and each day brings unexpected surprises.”

Fortunately, Nadal was able to rely on his own childhood experiences to help him prepare for becoming a father.

He continued, "I have always enjoyed being around kids. I have many younger cousins, so I had a lot of fun playing with them when they were babies."

Nadal shared his gratitude for his son's health, saying, "I am thankful that my baby is doing well. We are very happy."

Rafael Nadal Reveals How Fatherhood Has Been an Unexpected Adventure

Rafa Nadal and his wife Xisca Perello David Benito/Getty Images

The 22-time Grand Slam champion recently took part in the first-ever Netflix Slam. This special event featured a match between Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz at Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, with 10,000 fans in attendance.

The match was live-streamed on Netflix, making it a unique experience for viewers. In the end, the exciting exhibition match was won by 20-year-old Alcaraz in a thrilling third-set tiebreak.

Nadal made a comeback to tennis following a persistent hip injury that sidelined him for nearly two years. He had to pull out of the Australian Open in January due to worsening of the injury during a match at the Brisbane Invitational, his first tournament in almost a year.

Even though Nadal showed a strong performance against Alcaraz, he acknowledged that his body has been affected by the passage of time.

Nadal shared during a press conference that his body, more than anything else, is what has brought him close to retirement. He mentioned that his passion for what he does keeps his mind healthy.

Next on Nadal's agenda is the Indian Wells Open, set to start on March 6 in Indian Wells, California.

Rafael Nadal, the 14-time French Open champion, and his wife, whom he married in October 2019, shared the news of their son's arrival in October 2022.

On social media, Nadal expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of love and well-wishes. He wrote, "Hello everyone. After a few days and many messages of affection I just wanted to thank you all! We are very happy and all very well! A big hug."

Editor's P/S:

Rafael Nadal's journey into fatherhood has been a rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected surprises. Despite his initial apprehension, he has embraced the challenges and found solace in his past experiences with children. Nadal's gratitude for his son's health and well-being is evident, and he cherishes every moment with his family. It is heartening to see the tennis legend navigating this new chapter in his life with love and determination.

Nadal's recent match against Carlos Alcaraz showcased both his resilience and the passage of time. Despite his physical limitations, Nadal's passion for the game remains unwavering. His acknowledgment of his body's decline is a testament to his maturity and understanding of the inevitable effects of aging. As he prepares for the Indian Wells Open, Nadal's focus on his mental well-being and the support of his family will undoubtedly fuel his performance.