The King of Clay is cherishing some precious bonding time with the man who introduced him to the sport – his father, Sebastian Nadal.
Recently, images emerged showing Rafa and his dad enjoying a rare quiet sunset stroll together near the younger Nadal’s academy in Manacor, Mallorca. Dressed casually with his arm around his father’s shoulder, Rafa looked blissful and relaxed as the pair chatted.
For Rafa, quality time with his family, especially his dad, is a top priority when he’s not competing on court. “My father has been by my side through every step of my career,” shares Rafa. “He’s not only my mentor, but also my best friend.”
Sebastian was the one who first put a tennis racquet in young Rafa’s hands at age three. From then on, Sebastian nurtured Rafa’s talent, instilling lessons about hard work, discipline, and sportsmanship that Rafa applies to this day.
Though Rafa has accomplished what many view as impossible in tennis, winning a record 22 Grand Slams, he remains eternally grateful to his father. “I owe my success to him,” Rafa admits.
Now as a father himself, Rafa hopes to emulate his own dad’s example. He cherishes every chance he gets to reconnect with Sebastian, whether analyzing tennis over drinks or enjoying Mallorca’s tranquil beaches.
For Rafa, family comes first. And the beautiful bond between a humble son and the father who helped him achieve greatness is a match made in tennis heaven. “Just being together,” Rafa says, “this is what makes me happiest.”
