Rafael Nadal ‘s dominance on the tennis court is recognized by almost every fan of today’s generation. The left-hander ruled wherever he played, particularly on the clay courts of Roland Garros.
However, one person who hasn’t witnessed that dominance is his son, Rafael Nadal Jr. In an interview after losing to Carlos Alcaraz at the Six Kings Slam, Nadal made a cheeky joke about his dip in form since becoming a father.
Well I don’t think I’m great. Since he arrived to the world I lost more than I won at the same time having him here helps all the tough moments I’ve been through the last couple of years. He behaves very well even when it’s late. I’m happy.
Rafael Nadal said in his post-match interview in Six Kings Slam
Nadal on Baby Rafa watching his match against Alcaraz at Six Kings Slam
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 17, 2024
“It must be nice to have baby Rafa here with your wife and family. He thinks you’re great whether you win or lose.. he was jumping up and down like crazy.”
Rafa: “Well I don’t think I’m great. Since he… pic.twitter.com/xwlLw6cwJD
Nadal Jr. was born on October 8, 2022. Since then, the 38-year-old has reached only one ATP final, which was at the Swedish Open earlier this year. However, his era of invincibility has faded due to recurring injuries.
Nadal Jr. has accompanied his mother to many tournaments, notably the Paris Olympics. The former World No.1 hopes his son will one day understand the remarkable legacy he built in the tennis world.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will face off for the last time in their storied rivalry at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia. However, the scenario is completely different from their previous encounters.
Instead of competing in the semifinals or finals, the two tennis legends will play for third place at the Six Kings Slam. The only other time Djokovic found himself in this position was at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he beat James Blake to win the bronze medal.
Nadal and Djokovic have played each other 60 times on the ATP Tour, an all-time ATP record. This will be their first meeting outside of clay courts since the 2020 ATP Cup, where Djokovic won in straight sets. Nadal hasn’t won a set against Djokovic on hard courts since the 2013 US Open final. Nevertheless, the Spaniard enters this match as the underdog, given his lack of match fitness.
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