Rafael Nadal and his wife Xisca became parents for the first time in October. Rafa is trying to spend as much time as possible with his son Rafael, sleeping less than before but explaining the feeling as pure happiness. Nadal will finish the season inside the top -2 at 36, winning two Major titles and reaching one more semi-final.
The Spaniard claimed four ATP titles in 2022, making a perfect start after a 20-0 score and delivering his first Australian Open crown since 2009. Nadal conquered Acapulco before fracturing his rib in Indian Wells, reaching the final but losing it to Taylor F
The veteran skipped his favorite events in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and lost crucial points in the year-end no. 1 battle. Rafa returned to action in May and failed to impress in Madrid and Rome, experiencing early losses and gathering dark clouds over his Roland Garros chances.
With a foot injury bothering him again, Nadal needed injections to endure all the efforts in Paris, beating Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud for his 14th Roland Garros title. Hoping for more at Wimbledon, Rafa advanced into the last four despite a seven -millimeter abdominal tear.
The Spaniard prevailed over Taylor Fritz in the quarter-final in a five-setter and withdraw ahead of the Nick Kyrgios clash. Nadal needed months to recover, experiencing an early US Open loss and staying away from the court for two months.
Rafa Nadal welcomed his son Rafael in October.
Rafa hit the court again at the Paris Masters, seeking form and momentum but falling in the second round to Tommy Paul. Eager to get more matches by the end of the year, the Spaniard entered his 11th ATP Finals and fell to Taylor Fritz and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
With no rhythm or encounters in his legs, Rafa lost the crucial points and embraced his fourth consecutive loss! The legend changed that in the season’s last match, beating Casper Ruud 7-5, 7-5 to deliver his first victory as a father.
Nadal will compete against Ruud during the South American Tour in the next ten days before turning his focus to the 2023 season. “All life changes require time to assist and adapt. It happened to me six weeks ago when I became a father for the first time.
I’m more tired after sleeping less than before. Also, there’s a new concern in my life different from everything I have experienced until now. I’m a regular father who experiences emotions and happiness, trying to enjoy every moment spent with my son ,” Rafael Nadal said.