Rafael Nadal supported by wife Maria Francisca Perello and rarely-seen baby son in sweet moment
Rafael Nadal’s Madrid Open farewell has kicked off to a brilliant start after his straight-set win over American teenager Darwin Blanch on Thursday.
Despite his victory, there were some very important guests in the audience which will have no doubt been appreciated by the 22 Grand Slam winner. His beautiful wife Maria Francisca Perello was seen cheering from the stands with their bubbly baby son Rafael Jr sitting on her lap.
The mother-and-son duo looked happy as they watched 37-year-old Rafael in action. They were also joined by the sports star’s sister Maribel in the box.
In his post-match chat, Rafael admitted that he wished he could play further into his career in order to create more memories for his son.
“I would love to play a little bit longer and give him (Rafael Jr) a memory of myself playing tennis,” he said. “That’s what will be the ideal thing for me and for my wife and family.
“But I can’t, probably I will not be able to make that happen. But at least, I mean I’m happy to have a great team and family and friends around me almost all my life. It helped me in every single way of being happy.”
On reflection, he added: “Today is not an exception. I still have a great family, great team, and friends from ever since I was a child. That makes me happy, and in some way, makes me feel great that they are here.
“Hopefully they’re going to keep being next to me in the future after my tennis career, and that makes me feel great and super happy.”
