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It came as a shock when the King of Clay Rafael Nadal announced his withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters. Ever since the tennis legend started making attempts to find his way back into the tennis scene, he had to ditch several tournaments. However, the fans who still carried the expectations of seeing him play in the clay court season had to test their patience.

Rafa, who decided to keep himself on the sidelines because of being in a recovery phase, got an opportunity to spend more time with his family after the recent decision. While the fans already started to wonder what their favorite tennis star would be doing, a heartwarming moment surfaced as the tennis legend was spotted in a rare family photograph.

The image circulating on social media featured Nadal carrying his son, Rafael Jr., along with his father Sebastian Nadal standing beside him. This adorable snapshot arrived just hours after Nadal’s announcement regarding his absence from the anticipated tournament.

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Going through a tough time of not being able to serve properly because of his back injury, Nadal expressed his deep regret for the tournament, explaining the physical limitations. He conveyed, “These are very difficult moments for me, sporting-wise.” Despite making countless exhaustive efforts to return to the court, Nadal acknowledged that he still is not ready to be back. He shared, “My body simply won’t allow me.”

While the news of withdrawal came out as a disappointment for the fans, the photograph offered a glimpse into the cherished moments of family time for Rafael Nadal. As he figures out how to pave his way back, fans as well as other tennis stars await his re-entry.

Fans drop adorable reactions on Rafael Nadal’s snapshot featuring three generations

As soon as Rafael Nadal’s picture started to captivate the attention of the fans on social media, fans appeared to have overcome the sadness and therefore came forward to appreciate the glimpse of his family time. The series of mixed comments showed a fan highlighting the aspect of capturing all the generations in a single picture, saying, “Beautiful picture of three generations!!!”

Another fan, spotting the resemblance of baby Rafa with Sebastian Nadal, wrote, “He sure looks like GRAMPA Nadal!!!!”

Another found Rafa’s son, like most babies, too cute beyond words, “Baby Rafa is adorable!”

One pointed out how Rafa Jr.’s eyes seemed to be looking far ahead, “Baby Rafa has that go go go look in his eyes. Adorable.”

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One hilariously pointed out the difference in the father/son combo’s difference in a head full of hair, His kis is alredy better than Rafa.. he has more hair… keep going!”

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With these and several other similar comments appreciating the moment, the fans made it clear that they support the King of Clay, even during hard times.

ALSO READ: Monte-Carlo Masters: Rafael Nadal Outrightly Quashes Mental Health Rumours With a Serious Injury Update