Nadal returns to the courts (and wins) with an exceptional spectator: his son Rafa

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Very special day for the Manacorí tennis player, who has returned to the courts after twelve months retired due to injuries. This Tuesday, Rafael Nadal He reappeared in the Brisbane International Tournament, in Australia, and defeated Dominic Thiem in front of his most special spectator: his son.

Little Rafa, who has already turned one year old, arrived in Brisbane two days ago with his mother, Mery Perelló. Both have supported Rafa Nadal from the stands in each of the training sessions and, of course, in his debut on Tuesday. The little boy has stolen the spotlight from the tennis player with his cuteness and his smiles and has made it clear that he is dad's number one fan and that he is already willing to follow in his footsteps by walking around the facilities with a mini racket identical to Nadal's. . It is the third time that the little one has attended a competition after the Turin Masters Cup in November 2022 and the Australian Open in 2023.

The Manacorí wanted to thank his fans for their support and affection in recent months: “Thank you for the support since I arrived. Today is an important and emotional day for me,” he said when stepping onto the Pat Rafter Arena. “After one of the hardest years of my career, being able to return in front of a large crowd and play at a good level is something to be proud of, both for me and for my family and everyone who has been by my side.”

Nadal 'broke' in Melbourne on January 18 to the inconsolable tears of his wife. In June he underwent surgery for problems with the iliopsoas muscle in his left leg, in addition to a hip ailment that he was having.