Rafael Nadal Shares Whether He Wants to See His Children Pursue Tennis in Future

Rafael Nadal hung up his racket at the 2024 Davis Cup after Spain’s 2-0 defeat to eventual runners-up Netherlands in the quarterfinals. The 22-time Grand Slam champion recently sat for an interview with The Masters, during which he talked about his two sons potentially pursuing tennis in the future.

Nadal wants them to play whatever sports they like if they don’t want to follow in their father’s footsteps. He also talked about the positive sides of playing sports.

I mean, I want them to play a sport, but it doesn’t matter which sport, to be honest. I think growing in a sports atmosphere I think it’s good for education, it’s good to grow up with the right values, and I don’t care if my son only plays football, he plays golf, he plays tennis, basketball, or anything.

Nadal and his wife, Maria Francisca Perello, welcomed their first son, Rafael Nadal Jr., in October 2022. Last year in August, their second son, Miquel, was born.

I think it is good for the coordination, and it is good that they are active. They don’t stay in front of the TV all day. I love them to be outside, practice, and be active. I think that’s the best thing, and then if someday they like to try something else in any sport, fantastic.

Rafael Nadal added

During an old interview, however, the King of Clay said something entirely different. He expressed his wish to see his sons play any sport other than tennis.

Iga Swiatek makes her feelings known about her training session with Rafael Nadal

Iga Swiatek spent her teen years idolizing Rafael Nadal. And now, she wants to emulate what the 39-year-old has achieved on clay. Like the 14-time Roland Garros champion, the Pole is a dominant force to be reckoned with on clay, having already won four trophies on the surface.

So when Swiatek started faltering, she flew to Mallorca to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy. And soon, she confirmed the rumors by announcing that she will be working with Francisco Roig, who worked with Nadal for 18 years.

The first 15 minutes of practice, I was so tight. I was like: ‘Oh my God, how should I play? He’s watching, he’s right there.’ But, honestly, it was my first days on site, so I also gave myself space. He knows how it is; he had every possible experience probably on the court. So no one expected me to play perfectly.

Iga Swiatek said at the pre-tournament press conference in Madrid

The six-time Grand Slam champion has yet to progress past the quarterfinals this season. After losing to eventual runner-up Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, Maria Sakkari knocked her out in the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open.

Swiatek then registered a quarterfinal exit at the Indian Wells Masters as well, losing to Elina Svitolina before she suffered a shock opening-round exit at the Miami Open. After her training session in Nadal’s academy, Swiatek participated in the Stuttgart Open, but there as well, she failed to reach the semifinals, losing to Mirra Andreeva in the last eight.

Swiatek scheduled her opening-round match at the Madrid Open against Daria Snigur. In Madrid, Swiatek reached the final in 2023 but lost to Aryna Sabalenka. But the following year, she took her revenge on the Belarusian after a thrilling final.

The Belarusian, in fact, will be entering the tournament as the defending champion. Last year, she beat Coco Gauff to win her third title in the tournament. Swiatek, on the other hand, has yet to win a title on clay since the 2024 Roland Garros.

Also read: Alexandra Eala Reveals the Greatest Advice Given to her by Rafael Nadal

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