Rafael Nadal paid an emotional tribute to his wife and son after his latest win at the Olympics
The 38-year-old admitted that he and Carlos Alcaraz had been “suffering” despite getting through their first two rounds in the men’s doubles.
Although Nadal hasn’t been able to stay with his family during the Paris 2024 Games, his wife, Mery Perello, and their young son have been in the stands cheering him on throughout the tough matches. And the 22-time Grand Slam champion explained what it meant to him.
He’s not old enough to have any idea. He’s just having fun,” he said of Rafael Junior. “Things are always beautiful when you have the family with you.”
Nadal is hoping that his son will be able to understand what he’s watching. But he knows that will be tough. He added: “It’ll be great to play with him watching me and knowing a little bit what’s going on but (it) seems it’s difficult to make that happen because he’s not even two years old yet.
“They are happy travelling with me, even here I cannot spend time with them because I’m in the village but I’m lucky they are ready to travel with me when I’m not in the Olympics. And even here after the match, spending 15 minutes with them gives me a lot, so that’s important for me now.
Nadal’s wife and son were on Court Philippe-Chatrier to watch him face his long-time rival Novak Djokovic in the singles on Monday as he lost in straight sets. And they were back again a day later as he and Alcaraz beat Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof of the Netherlands in a match tiebreak 6-4 6-7(2) [10-2].
‘Nadalcaraz’ are now through to the quarter-final and are one win away from having the opportunity to fight for a medal. But it hasn’t been smooth sailing.
We had fun because the score was positive in the tiebreak. We have been suffering but we are enjoying playing together,” two-time gold medallist Nadal said.
“We are creating good synergies, good energy, so yeah, we are having fun in general terms. We have the positive relationship outside of the court that helps inside. We are happy we are in quarter-finals, closer to the goals. Let’s keep being focused.
