Madrid Open: Rafael Nadal’s Toddler Son’s Innocent Love for Tennis Leaves Fans Amused

Like father, like son! Rafael Nadal is all set to hit the courts yet again at the Madrid Open. He will face the 16-year-old American, Darwin Blanch in his first match in Madrid. But before that, he was spotted with his wife and kid in a heartwarming scene ahead of his practice sessions. Rafa Jr. was spotted holding one of his favorite ‘toys’ in his hand. His endless love for tennis racquets has now sparked new excitement among the fans. They now want to see the father-son duo in action in the Spanish capital. Just like Las Vegas!

Last year, the toddler was spotted along with his father during the practice sessions for the 2024 Brisbane International. The kid was seen tightly holding a tiny racket in his left hand and his father’s hand with the other. Even Sebastian Nadal was spotted enjoying his time with Rafa and his son at a park in Brisbane. The kid was spotted playing with a tiny white racket on lush green grass. However, the most notable reactions from the fans came when they saw Rafa Jr. stealing the Netflix Slam show while playing with his tiny racquet in the stands of Las Vegas.

In this recent clip, Rafael Nadal was seen holding the kid in his arms while his wife, Maria Francisca Perello was busy putting on her jacket. But the center of all attractions was yet again- Rafa Jr. holding the racket in his left hand. After seeing this clip, several fans came out in numbers to portray their excitement surrounding this heartwarming moment. One of the fans pointed out that he always holds his tiny racket, no matter which part of the world he’s in.

While another fan rightly pointed out that’s the one thing that Baby Rafa always loves to do. Might we be witnessing another legend in the making?!

Another fan wrote that he never let his racket off the hand (translated from Spanish to English by Google). Like father, like son? Perhaps, rightly said!

The other fan jokingly added that Babolat had said Rafael had to use this pink-colored racquet. So, this was the only solution for him!

A few of them said that the little kid always has a racquet in his hand and he doesn’t like to give it to anyone.

In January this year, Babolat gave a special gift to Rafael Nadal’s son. Nadal was extremely happy to see the baby-sized racket that was specially dedicated to his little son. Even during the Barcelona Open, the little kid was seen holding a bigger-sized tennis racquet in his hand. Fans love to see this never-ending love of Rafa Jr. towards his racquets. But will he follow in the footsteps of his father and get into this racquet sport?

“I would prefer if he plays another sport” – Rafael Nadal on his son

During an interview with La Sexta earlier this year, Rafael Nadal said, “I would prefer if he plays another sport if I’m being honest… It pains me to say it with everything that tennis has given me.” But what if the kid himself decided to take up the sport that has given his father so much to cherish for the rest of his life?

Well, then Nadal will not stop him from pursuing his dreams. “If he wants to play tennis, I will support him 100 per cent. I would never veto his decision to play tennis, but… if he plays another sport, even better,” Rafael Nadal said.

With the full support of his family and home fans, Nadal will be now eyeing for his sixth title at the Madrid Open. The journey won’t be easy, but when it comes to the ‘King of Clay’ on his favorite surface- Never say, never!