Rafael Nadal, tennis legend and GOAT candidate, is on an extended break from the game due to his long-standing psoas muscle injury. In 2022, when the Spaniard was well and competing in the court, his firstborn saw the light of the world, a son also named Rafael.
The Spaniard has had a lot of time off the busy schedule of professional sports and has got to spend close time with his son, albeit not in a physical nature due to his constant trysts with surgery. In the time that he is recuperating effectively in order to make a comeback, the 36-year-old is spending quality time with family.
Rafael Nadal drops candid take on fatherhood
Rafael Nadal had been in a long term relationship with Xisca Perello since 2005. The pair married in 2019 and eventually became parents in October 2022. Spending time with his child has enriched Nadal and he has called the time ‘special’.
While an injury sustained break from an occupation isn’t necessarily the best time to have to see your child grow, given the visits to hospitals and physical inactivity involved, it nevertheless has given Nadal the time to enjoy his son’s first birthday.
“I have always taken things well. But in that sense, of course having a child at home who is also the first is always special, because of course it makes you happy in many moments. But I think that I would have been fine without it too, because I have accepted and tolerated it well throughout my life.”
But without a doubt it helps and gives me happiness,” Nadal told EFE.
In the past few months Rafael Nadal has taken to social media to share updates on his recovery process, and ardent fans are awaiting a quick return for Nadal to playing professional tennis. The Spaniard recently offered a cheeky update on his situation when a tournament official confirmed his presence in the event next year.
Nadal resumes training despite discomfort after long break from tennis
Rafael Nadal recently addressed fans in an event where he was launching a food business product and commented on his return to tennis.
“I’m training more now than a month ago but I’m taking it one day at a time. Let’s see if I have the chance to increase the intensity to come back little by little,” said Nadal.
When pressed if the 2024 Australian Open was going to be his stage of return, Nadal remained tentative and refused to ascertain rumours.
“My first idea would be to return in Australia but I can’t tell you. I’m able to train a little more, which for me is a step forward,” he said.
“I’m in less pain but I still have some discomfort. If I had less pain, I could give you a date.”
In the past few months, Rafael Nadal has been seen undergoing intensive training in a pool and practising tennis shots in an attempt to fast track his recovery process and make a comeback as soon as possible.
What are your opinions on Nadal’s break from tennis? Has it given him much needed time with his son and family? Let us know in the comments section below.
