Rafael Nadal proved that slow and steady wins the race, reaching his first final in a while. The Spanish tennis legend is competing in his first tournament since an unexpected early departure from the French Open. He is, perhaps, utilizing the Bastad Open as a training ground for the Paris Olympics which will be held on Roland Garros’ clay courts. To get to his first ATP Tour final in more than two years, Nadal defeated Duje Ajdukovic earlier today. This noteworthy accomplishment represents Nadal’s first final since the birth of his baby in October 2022 and highlights the tennis legend’s victorious comeback to form.

The 38-year-old has been in outstanding form in Bastad, winning matches against prominent opponents. Only one day had passed since the 22-time Grand Slam champion, who has delayed his retirement plans, battled the Argentinian Navone in an exhausting four-hour marathon match in the quarterfinal. It tried the limits of the Spaniard’s stamina, but he turned up for the semi-final again and won another three-setter to make it to his first ATP final this season.

After the victory, Rafael Nadal stated, “A very tough match. My opponent had one of the best backhands I’ve played against. He came here with a lot of confidence. But I found a way to survive, and will be in a final after a very long time.”

However, his box was all smiles the entire time. The Spaniard is attending the Swedish event with his wife, Maria Francisca Perello, and son, Rafa Jr. His family’s presence on the sidelines gave Nadal’s accomplishment on the court a more intimate feel. The former World No. 1 has made his way to the ATP 250 event for the first time since winning the competition in 2005.

Nadal never passes up the chance to talk about his son, just like any other father would. At the Swedish event, the 14-time Roland Garros champion is spending quality time with his family, but he also took part in a fun Q&A session. He showed off his charming demeanor throughout the session and also his mischievous side by jokingly mentioning that he wouldn’t be getting his son a pet dog anytime soon.

Rafael Nadal jokes about his son’s animal affection

The 22-time Grand Slam champion was asked if he had any pets during a Q&A session with the kids of Mexican tennis player Santiago Gonzalez. He answered negatively. When asked if he would consider buying his kid a dog, the former World No. 1 admitted that Rafa Jr. has a great affection for animals.

But Nadal laughingly acknowledged that parenting his son already takes up a lot of his time, and he wouldn’t want to add the responsibilities of a puppy to it. “The truth is that he [Rafa Jr.] loves all animals. It’s tough enough to keep him. If on top of that, we have to keep a puppy now, I can’t deal with all that,” joked Nadal, underscoring the difficulties of juggling fatherhood with extra obligations.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Rafael Nadal reaching the first final after his son’s birth? Let us know in the comment section below.