Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer built a rivalry—and a friendship—for the ages. For two decades, they battled on the biggest stages of professional tennis. Federer retired in 2022. Nadal followed last year. Yet they remain, for many, the ultimate GOAT pairing. Off the court, their lives have shifted to new milestones. Still, news about one always brings up the other. For their devoted fanbase, Roger and Rafa will always share the same sentence.

On August 9, Rafael welcomed his second child—a son named Miquel—with his wife, Maria Francisca Perello. The happy update came via X, posted by Olly Tennis: “🇪🇸🥰 Rafael Nadal and his wife welcomed their second child – another boy – on August 7th! 👏👶 He is named Miquel – after Mery’s father, who passed away in 2023.” Rafa’s family is now up by one alongside his first son, Rafa Junior, who came in October 2022. But it wasn’t just the news itself that caught attention—it was the date of baby Miquel’s arrival.

One fan wrote on X, “Rafa’s baby was almost born on Roger’s birthday. A day too early.” Indeed, Roger Federer’s birthday falls on August 8—just one day after Miquel was born. For those who adore the “Fedal” bond, the timing felt poetic. After all, Rafa and Roger shared over 30 clashes between 2004 and 2019, going from fierce rivals to lifelong friends.

They haven’t faced each other since 2019, but they’ve stayed close. When Roger retired at the Laver Cup in 2022, Rafa was there to send him off—tears and all. Likewise, when Rafael Nadal announced his own retirement, he was honored at this year’s French Open. Federer stood beside Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic for the ceremony. And just this July, they were spotted together at the Rafa Nadal Academy!

Now, baby Miquel’s near-birthday with the Swiss legend adds another layer to their story. Fans can’t help but love it!

Fans share their thoughts on Rafael Nadal’s son’s birth date!

Seeing the news, one user wrote a witty message: “Couldn’t Miquel have waited one more day to be born on the same day as Roger? 😁 😉 j/k Congrats to the proud parents and all the very best for Miquel ☘️👶.” While the child was born just two days ago, it surely came as a sweet surprise to many!

Back in April 2025, the couple shared their happy news—they were expecting again, with Mery already five months along. Nadal has always been open about fatherhood. Before he had kids, he told HELLO!, “Obviously, I have the intention of forming a family. I love children and I would like my children to do what they like.”

The family welcomed him with joy and privacy. A couple of days later, the Nadals left the hospital together—smiling and ready for life as a family of four. Rafa and Mery’s journey began two decades ago when they were teenagers. They turned friendship into a lifelong partnership, with Mery supporting Rafa through his climb to tennis glory. Much like his father shared the court with his fellow GOAT for two decades.

Federer, born August 8, is peak Leo—magnetic, confident, impossible to miss. Astrology lovers might enjoy the fact that baby Miquel shares the same sign. Leos are bold, charismatic leaders, and Federer has embodied that all his career. If star signs have their say, Rafa’s little one might grow up with a touch of that Federer flair. Could Rafael Nadal’s son return in the future with these traits? One fan is convinced, writing: “Two Rafas in Prof Tennis soon. Congrats my goat @RafaelNadal.”

Rafael Nadal has spoken thoughtfully about the possibility of his first son, Rafa Junior, pursuing tennis. After his retirement ceremony at the French Open in May 2025, Nadal said that if his son had a career like his, he’d support it. “If my son lives the tennis career the way that I lived, of course, yes.” He stressed that he never felt he gave up too much for tennis, instead loving the journey. And he admitted he doesn’t try to make his son idolize his career, preferring to keep things normal at home.

In the end, the King of Clay’s family life will always come before any trophy cabinet—as one fan put it: “For Nadal, this joy must be greater than any Grand Slam title.” And sure, Nadal’s career ended with a record-breaking 14 French Opens, four US Opens, two Australian Opens, and two Wimbledon titles—one of them the 2008 epic against Federer, widely hailed as one of the greatest matches ever.

Rafa won in five sets: 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-7(8), 9-7 after four hours and 48 minutes—the longest final in Wimbledon history at the time. That’s a legacy few could match. Nadal won’t push his sons toward it, knowing the toll.

Still, the thought of another Nadal on court in the coming years is exciting. For now, though, he’s soaking in the joy of his newest family member!