Rafael Nadal, at 37 years old, returned to the Mutua Madrid Open court this Thursday for the twentieth and last time. For this special occasion, her family has sneaked into the audience. His wife Mery Perellóhis sister Maribelhis mother Ana Maria and his mother-in-law Maria Pascual They occupied the first row of the stands to support the tennis player in the final stretch of his sporting career. However, if there was someone who caught everyone’s attention, it was his son, Rafaelthe result of her relationship with Perelló, the icing on the cake to seal a love story that has lasted almost two decades.
From the stands, Rafa Nadal Jr., barely 16 months old and wearing a cute striped outfit, remained on his mother and aunt’s lap throughout the match. A very tender image while they observed the skills of the Spaniard on the court. Like his father, the little boy was holding a tennis racket, attracting the attention of the rest of those present.
Without a doubt, Mery is the tennis player’s main support. A few days ago, they attended a gala at the Teatro Real in Madrid as part of Telefónica’s anniversary. An event that was also attended by many faces from the political leadership. This Monday, they were seen at the prestigious Laureus sports awards, held for the first time in the Madrid capital, and where they went on stage to collect the award given to Nadal’s foundation. On stage, Mery gave a profound speech with some words from Nelson Mandela: “Sport has the power to transform the world.” “We believe in that idea and we have been working on this project since 2010. This trophy will encourage us to continue believing and is for everyone who works at the foundation, also for the kids who have been in our programs since we started” . It should be remembered that Perelló is the director of the foundation.
It was this Wednesday when the athlete confirmed his attendance at the Caja Mágica: “I don’t think I can play at 100%, but it is important to be able to play for the last time in Madrid, for me it means a lot to play on this court where I have experienced very beautiful moments. If today were Paris, I would not go out to play”he expressed.
There are many injuries that have kept the tennis player on the sidelines of competitions. However, this afternoon Rafa picked up the racket again to compete in a duel against Darwin Blanch. Nadal won to advance to the second round, where he will face Álex de Miñaur.
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