Despite Rafael Nadal’s Cheeky Complaint, Tennis Fans Wholly Laps Up Rafa Jr. Like Their Own in Adorable Scenes

Rafael Nadal is savoring every moment of his final matches, and tennis fans are relishing it alongside him. With the legend already announcing his retirement following the Davis Cup, the tennis world is inching toward the end of an era. But Nadal isn’t going quietly—far from it. He’s still delivering thrilling moments on the court, reminding everyone why he’s a tennis icon. And of course, he’s adding a bit of his signature humor to the mix, keeping the fans entertained both with his game and his cheeky remarks.

The Spanish tennis legend played and eventually lost against his young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals of the Six Kings Slam on Thursday. Despite the tournament not being counted in the ATP record books, the buzz for the match was palpable as it garnered immense love from the audience. But it was not just Nadal who garnered the spotlight during the match. It was also his 2-year-old son who received immense love from the tennis community.

Rafa Jr. was seen sitting in the stands, clapping and cheering, as his father played against a formidable opponent. However, when asked about his presence, Nadal shared a cheeky complaint. “Since he arrived to the world I lost more than I won,” he said in a humorous response. “At the same time having him here helps all the tough moments I’ve been through the last couple of years. He behaves very well even when it’s late. I’m happy,” Nadal added. But despite the complaint, the fans did not hesitate to express their immense love for Nadal’s kid.

Article continues below this ad

Nadal on Baby Rafa watching his match against Alcaraz at Six Kings Slam

“It must be nice to have baby Rafa here with your wife and family. He thinks you’re great whether you win or lose.. he was jumping up and down like crazy.”

Rafa: “Well I don’t think I’m great. Since he… pic.twitter.com/xwlLw6cwJD

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 17, 2024

As soon as the post about Nadal’s comment on his son went viral, several users took to X and shared their love for the kid. They highlighted that he has been one of the biggest achievements for Nadal and that he might fill in Nadal’s shoes going forward.

Fans express incredible adoration for Rafael Nadal’s sonTaking to X, one user wrote, “Couldn’t be lovelier. To retain a sense of humour even when it must hurt…😍& Baby Rafa is adorable.” Remember, Nadal is on the brink of his retirement. In such a situation, a player desires to win the last few matches they play but the former World No. 1 lost against Alcaraz in their latest encounter in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. However, fans highlighted that maintaining humor and keeping calm even in the face of adversity is something that defines the legendary player. Similar reactions continued to follow.

Responding to the post, one user added to Nadal’s humor and said, “rafa keeping it real lmfao 🤣🤣.” Interestingly, Nadal has failed to play enough after his son was born in October 2022. In 2023, Nadal played only 4 matches and lost 3 of them, per ATP Tour.com. He suffered a severe hip injury that kept him away from the courts for most of the season and forced him to withdraw from all the Grand Slams except the Australian Open. In 2024 too, the star player lost 7 of the 19 matches he has played, which somehow justifies Nadal’s cheeky complaint. Meanwhile, more users joined the fray.

“He definitely has his Papa’s hands! He is a babydoll!” another user wrote. Remember, this is not the first time when Rafa Jr. has garnered attention for his presence in the stands. As the Spanish legend took over his Swedish counterpart Leo Borg at the Swedish Open this year, his son was spotted watching him play from the stands. Dressed in a black jacket, he was accompanied by his mother, Maria as the two seemed engrossed in the match. Fans were quick to share his pictures then as well and heaped immense love on him.

Article continues below this ad

One more user commented on the post and wrote, “This is one of his big achievements, having this angel in his life ❤️‍🩹.” Even the ‘King of Clay’ has highlighted similar sentiments and wished that he could play longer just for his son, despite his latest humorous complaint. Talking about his desire for his son, Nadal remarked, “I would love to play a little bit longer and give him a memory of myself playing tennis. That’s what will be the ideal thing for me and for my wife and family.” However, he admitted that it won’t be possible for him to do so.

Article continues below this ad

Yet another user laughed at Rafael Nadal’s statement and said, “Classic Rafa humour🤣.” For now, it would be interesting to see if the legendary player can win a couple of matches before he finally bids adieu to the sports arena. Will his son be present during his last few matches to support and cheer him? Well, only time will tell.