Protective Rafael Nadal cradles his baby boy Rafa Junior as he and wife Xisca treat the youngster to a Sydney Harbor cruise ahead of his bid to repeat as Australian Open champion
- The grand slam legend took the family for a trip down the famous waterway this week
- Rafael Junior and his wife Xisca accompanied him on the boat trip with friends and staff
- The World No.2 is in Sydney for the United Cup before the Australian Open tilt
Grand slam legend Rafael Nadal broke his preparations for the Australian Open by taking his wife Xisca Perello and baby son on a trip to Sydney’s spectacular harbour.
The former world No.1 was seen cuddling Rafael Junior in his arms as the trio boarded a boat on Wednesday, with his son wearing a matching white and navy blue outfit for the trip.
They were joined by friends and one of Nadal’s coaching team, former Argentine professional player Gustavo Marcaccio, as they strolled along one of the world’s most famous stretches of water.
Nadal cradles Rafael Junior as they board their rented boat before a trip down the famously spectacular waterway
The world No.2 and his son both wore white and navy blue outfits for the trip with Nadal’s wife Xisca (with a pink cap)
Nadal chats with a member of his entourage as he enjoys a day out in Sydney on Friday
The 36-year-old met with members of his team ahead of the Australian Open
Rafael Junior was born in October last year and his father spoke about the impact his first child had on his life and game after arriving in Sydney for the United Cup tournament.
‘The first event I played like a father without my baby, I lost in the first round. Second event, traveling with the baby, I was not in the group stage. In the end I won my last fight, but I have to keep improving, don’t I?’ he said.
‘We have help. No problem. I just have to get my life in order, as everyone has to when you have a child in your life.’
The Spaniard’s form has been rocky since he came under to prepare for his attempt to win a second straight Australian Open title.
He fell to Cameron Norrie and Aussie underdog Alex De Minaur in the United Cup and immediately said the format of the new tournament – which will see national teams compete – should be changed after his defeat during a dead rubber.
Little Rafa Junior was kept safe and sound by his protective father, who spoke about the big changes he has made to his life and game since the birth of his son in October
Nadal has been dogged by a barrage of questions about whether he will retire since going down – but had no such worries as he headed into the harbor
Baby Rafa Jr looks comfortable relaxing with his dad on a relaxing day on Sydney Harbour
Nadal will look to extend his world record by winning his 23rd grand slam title when the Australian Open begins on January 16
‘Putting things into perspective [for] this competition, I found a negative point,’ said the world No.2.
‘The competition is great. Great idea. It is not good that we are now playing for nothing.
‘This is the first year of this competition, so that’s the kind of thing we need to fix, improve, and make it more interesting for everyone.’
Nadal was also annoyed as the media kept asking him about whether he was close to retiring.
‘I lost my fight. That’s it, isn’t it? Every time I come to a press conference I feel like I need to retire. So you are interested in my retirement. I mean, that, for the moment, isn’t the case,’ he told reporters after his loss to Norrie.
‘When the day comes, I will let you guys know. Don’t keep retiring, because I’m here to keep playing tennis.’
