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via Getty

via Getty

2023 has been a year full of turmoil for the 37-year-old Spanish icon, Rafael Nadal. He was out of action for most of the season. However, he managed to make the most of his time off the court. Nadal spent a good five-week vacation sailing his yacht with his wife Mery Perello and his son Sebastian. Rafael Nadal is a complete family man and spending time with them has always been his first priority. 

After coming back from the vacation he shared the moments spent with his son where he had to take him to the park. He revealed although his son hasn’t yet grabbed a tennis racket; he feels he’s doing well as a dad. Rafael Nadal said has always liked kids and recently he was given a baby-sized racket for his son by Babolat. See how he reacted to this.

Rafael Nadal is on cloud nine seeing this special gift for his son

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After dating Mery Perello for almost 14 years, Nadal got married to her on October 2019, And, on 8 October 2022, the couple was blessed with their first child. Recently, Nadal was seen accompanied by her wife and son when he landed in Brisbane to play the Brisbane International. Seeing Nadal back is a happy moment for all the tennis fans and seeing him with his beautiful family made them more excited. They have been one of his strongest pillars during his tough times. Who’s the other one who has seen all the thicks and thins during his career?

Babolat, the 149-year-old racket sports company has been providing rackets to the Spaniard for more than two decades. Rafael Nadal was only 9 years old when he got associated with this brand. The 22 Grand Slam champion started with the Pure Drive and helped them develop the Pure Aero. Since then he has been involved in every product testing of Babolat.

Recently, the Digital Media Manager of Babolat- Fanny Benincasa was seen posing with a smiling Rafa. Guess why he was smiling? Rafael Nadal looked ecstatic seeing an exclusive Babolat baby-sized racket that was specially dedicated to his son. Finally, a happy moment for the Spaniard after a disappointing last few hours. But why disappointing?

READ MORE: Rafael Nadal’s Heart-Wrenching Gesture to Treat Injury in Nail-Biting Contest at Brisbane Horrifies Tennis Fans

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Nadal’s comeback journey was cut short by the 29-year-old Australian Jordan Thompson at the QF of the Brisbane International. The Australian defeated Nadal by 5-7,7-6(6),6-4 at the Pat Rafter Arena in a thrilling 3-hour 25-minute encounter. Humid conditions made it more challenging for the 37YO and how was his endurance?

Worrying signs from the Nadal camp in Brisbane

Although Nadal showcased an epic show of grit and endurance throughout the match, fans got scared seeing him call for a medical timeout during the third set. He was seen having a problem with the upper portion of his left leg. That’s the same place where had got injured earlier and had undergone surgery in June last year. But he assured his fans the pain wasn’t as severe as before. This made a sigh of relief for the fans.

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Nadal had won the AO twice, and with just a few days to come before the 2024 AO, he would definitely not want to miss his chance to grab his third. Although he said he is hopeful for making it to the first Grand Slam of the event, Nadal however doesn’t expect to be challenging for the title. Can Nadal make a long run in 2024? Share your thoughts.

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