This Australian Open is special for Rafael Nadal. Not because he has the chance to further extend his major trophy haul to 23 this year, but because he has his wife and newborn, Junior Rafa, by his side in Melbourne. Although Rafa Jr. is quite young to cheer for his father, the Spanish tennis legend is grateful for being with his family during the tournament. 

The 22-time Grand Slam champion became a father for the first time in October last year. Now he is playing at his first Grand Slam tournament after donning the hat of a parent. However, after being all alone in the United cup and other ATP tournaments that took place in the last few months, the former world number one is quite happy that he has his loved ones by his side. The Spaniard made an amazing start to the Australian Open by winning the first round after defeating Jack Draper.

Rafael Nadal, grateful for his wife and newborn to make a trip to Australia

After his round one win, during the post-match press conference, the 22-time Grand Slam champion was asked whether he was feeling motivated to fight for the title as he has baby Rafa by his side in Australia. To this, the Spaniard answered that he is enjoying his life having a new family member and is glad that he is able to enjoy this moment in his life.

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However, being a father really doesn’t change his approach to the competition. But he believes that creating history in front of his newborn will indeed be a beautiful moment. Further, he talked about how he is feeling grateful for his wife for being in Melbourne to support him.

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He said, “Only could create a negative impact if I was here for one month, and they were not able to be with me. In the new things, I always have been very respectful with the changes in life, no? You don’t know how you going to adapt. I don’t know my feeling if the baby’s not here with me for one month. I don’t know if after three weeks I miss him, and I lost a little bit the focus.”

“Something I was not ready to accept this challenge, so I am happy that my wife accept to come here (smiling),” he added.

Nadal found a unique way to stay connected with his family

Last year, when the tennis player was playing the final ATP Masters 1000 event, he talked about how it’s always difficult to leave home. The player also quoted that he is lucky to make video calls to his newborn son at any time of the day or whenever he misses him.  

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And it was not easy for the ‘King of Clay’ to return to the tennis courts after a two-month break. But he made it a point to return injury free and rule the courts now after becoming a father. It will be exciting to see whether the Spaniard can create history in front of his son. 

Do you think Nadal will win his 23rd Grand Slam title in Melbourne?