Rafael Nadal’s Son Shows Early Tennis Talent – The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree
It’s a scene tennis fans have dreamed about for years – a young Nadal tearing up the practice courts with ferocious topspin forehands. But this isn’t the 20-time Grand Slam champion himself. It’s his 8-year-old son, Rafael Nadal Jr., already whipping winners like his famous father.
In a heartwarming video that went viral last week, the youngest Nadal showed off his budding tennis skills during a hitting session with his dad at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca. The clip gave fans an exciting glimpse at the tennis prodigy in the making.
With pigtails flying, little Rafa crushed heavy topspin forehand after forehand, barely able to see over the net. He moved well and showed impressive racket skills for his age. Papa Rafa looked on with a huge smile, lobbing balls for his mini-me to whale on.
“Just like his Dad!” read one YouTube comment with over 10,000 likes. “Topspin monster in the making!” added another fan. It’s clear the younger Nadal has inherited his father’s talent and tenacious on-court attitude.
Nadal has said he never wants to push his son into tennis if he doesn’t love it. But with Rafael Jr.’s skills developing at lightning speed, it may not be long before we see another “Rafa” battling on the pro tour. Like father, like son!
The greatest players leave lasting legacies. But few can say they impacted the game so directly by passing their talents to the next generation. Whether Rafa Jr. goes on to greatness or not, fans got an endearing peek into the future of tennis in that adorable video. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree for the Nadal family.
