Rafael Nadal was accompanied by his wife Maria Francisca Perello and baby son Rafa Jr. as he touched down in Bastad for the Nordea Open. The claycourt tournament is scheduled to be played from July 15-21.
Nadal was last seen playing at the 2024 French Open, where he lost to Alexander Zverev in the first round. He did not participate in Wimbledon 2024 in order to prepare for the Paris Olympics 2024, which would be played on clay. The 22-time Grand Slam winner has been putting in the hard yards in the lead-up to the Olympics, even training at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre in Greece.
He has now arrived in Bastad for the 2024 Nordea Open, accompanied by his wife Maria Francisca Perello and their baby son Rafa Jr.
Watch the video of his arrival below:
The tournament will see Casper Ruud, defending champion Andrey Rublev, and Cameron Norrie, among others in action. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner was scheduled to play in the tournament too but has now withdrawn citing fatigue.
Nadal will also play doubles at the tournament, partnering with Casper Ruud. This is in preparation for the Paris Olympics, where the Spaniard will play singles and doubles and is confirmed to partner with Carlos Alcaraz.
Rafael Nadal on his son seeing him play – “It’s a great memory”
Rafael Nadal appeared for an interview with Tennis Channel during the 2024 Madrid Open, and talked about his experiences of embracing fatherhood. The Spaniard said that his son getting to watch him play was a very special feeling.
Nadal added that even though it would be for a short time, he would relish the memories of his son watching him play tennis.
“Have a son and come back home and see him and be a father is a completely different thing. The feeling is completely different to anything else, just have the chance to see him watching me play, Even if it’s for just short period of time and doesn’t matter if he doesn’t know anything about what happened, that stays there and for me it’s a great memory,” he said to Tennis Channel.
The Spaniard has enjoyed the company of his family, including his wife Francisca Parello, son Rafa Jr., sister Maribel, and parents, while on his farewell tour.
Was this article helpful?
Thank You for feedback
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
Edited by Luke Koshi
