First-time dad Rafael Nadal grateful wife and baby made trip to Australia

Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning against Britain’s Jack Draper during the men’s singles match on day one of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 16, 2023. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP)

Rafael Nadal said on Friday that he thanked his wife Mery for traveling to Australia with their baby boy, admitting that he was not sure he could cope without her for a month.

The Spanish great became a father for the first time in October and played in his first Grand Slam since, leaving home at the end of December for the United Cup in Sydney before heading to Melbourne Park.

Speaking at the Australian Open, where he won in the first round on Monday, the defending champion said fatherhood was not affected by competitive “feelings or motivation”.

“It can only make a negative impact if I’m here for a month and they can’t be with me,” he said.

“You don’t know how you’re going to react, you know?

“I don’t know how I feel when the baby isn’t here for a month. I don’t know that after three weeks I miss him, and I lose focus a little bit.

“There’s something I’m not ready to accept this challenge, so I’m glad my wife is willing to come here.”

The 36-year-old said he and his wife Mery Perello are enjoying life as parents.

“I have always loved children. To be able to enjoy this new moment in my life is wonderful,” he said.

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