Rafael Nadal, 36, admits he is “happy” to be a father as he is still adjusting to his new life role. Nadal, a record 22-time Grand Slam champion, became a father for the first time in October, when his wife Mary Perello gave birth to a baby boy.
After spending some time with his wife and the newborn son, Nadal concluded his 2022 season at the Paris Masters and ATP Finals. Following the ATP Finals, Nadal went to Latin America, where he is having an exhibition Tour.
“Having a son is something very recent, it is something in life which you have to adapt to. Beyond that, I’m happy, I’m enjoying the moment and everything else takes a back seat,” Nadal said.
Nadal on his longevity in the game
Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer – the three greatest players in tennis history – have all enjoyed very long and successful career.
Federer, who turned 41 in August, retired from pro tennis in late September. Meanwhile, Nadal and 35-year-old Djokovic are still going strong. “What may happen in the future I don’t know, I don’t know the consequences that may happen, time will tell.
There are several factors why we are playing longer at an advanced age. One is medicine and the professionalisation of the entire sport which means that people have a more extensive team, and there is more knowledge of the things that help to lengthen careers.
And there is another thing: I think Roger, Novak and I have been pushing each other, and somehow it’s never been enough, we’ve always had to make another effort. The competition [between us] has taken us to extreme mental and tennis levels, and this is one of the main reasons why we have continued for so long,” Nadal explained. It remains to be seen if Nadal will manage to win another Grand Slam in 2023.
