Rafael Nadal's son steals the spotlight at the Olympics: Star's adorable mini-me shows he has inherited dad's tennis skills at first doubles match
As tennis King Rafael Nadal comes close to retirement, another Rafa has shown the world that he may be set to continue ruling the world's major tournaments just like his father.
This was 22-month-old Rafael, the son of the Spanish tennis legend, as he watched his dad compete in the Olympics for the last time.
Rafael junior showed off his tennis strokes by swinging a 'Pure Aero Babolat' racket as his legendary father put his own racket to good use on court and won his first doubles match with Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz against their Argentine opponents.
Unlike his father, however, who plays left-handed even though he is right-handed, his son preferred to swing his racket two and fro with both hands in forehand and background movements, as he sat on the lap of his mother María.
The toddler also showed he is developing the skill of being quick on his feet, just like his father is on court, and wandered along an aisle during the match, but under the watchful eye of his mother.
Tennis King Rafael Nadal's 22-month-old son Rafael has watched his dad compete in the Olympics for the last time
Rafa Nadal put his own racket to good use on court and won his first doubles match with Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz against their Argentine opponents
Rafael junior watched the match with his mother Maria Francisca Perello and Rafa Nadal's mother Ana María Parera (left)
The family were seen smiling during the match as tennis legend Rafa added another victory to his record
During the match, which lasted one hour and 47 minutes, Rafael Junior showed he can be restless like any other child of his age and showing signs of boredom, demanded to be entertained by his mother and his grandmother who was sat alongside them.
Once he had lost interest in his father's business down below on the Olympic court, and the tennis racket too, his mother appeased him by producing a bottle of milk.
But as the adoring mostly French crowd chanted his name in recognition of his outstanding record at their home tournament, his son joined in the clapping encouraged by his mother and grandmother.
He also waved the Spanish flag in honour of his father, who is representing Spain at the Olympics and is former Olympic gold medal winner.
The tennis champion, who has amassed $135 million prize money in his glittering career, is expected to wave tennis goodbye soon.
Rafa Junior practices with his racquet in the stands during the match
Once he had lost interest in his father's business down below on the Olympic court, and the tennis racket too, his mother appeased him by producing a bottle of milk
But as the adoring mostly French crowd chanted his name in recognition of his outstanding record at their home tournament, his son joined in the clapping encouraged by his mother and grandmother
The family congratulate Rafa during the match
During the match, which lasted one hour and 47 minutes, Rafael Junior showed he can be restless like any other child of his age and showing signs of boredom
The toddler was seen walking up and down the aisle near his mother during the match
The toddler also showed he is developing the skill of being quick on his feet, just like his father is on court, and wandered along an aisle during the match, but under the watchful eye of his mother
He also waved the Spanish flag in honour of his father, who is representing Spain at the Olympics
The match was played on a clay court, Nadal's favourite, at Roland Garros in Paris on July 27
The adorable youngster was zoomed in on by camera crews during the match
The noise of the crowd proved too much for the little one at times and he was forced to cover his ears
Rafael junior showed off his tennis strokes by swinging a 'Pure Aero Babolat' racket
Rafael Nadal hits a forehand shot with his left hand against team Argentina
Rafael Nadal and partner Carlos Alcaraz, who won Wimbledon earlier this month, talk tactics during the match
The Spaniards faced Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez of Team Argentina during the Men's Doubles first round match
The 38-year-old will join his contemporaries Sir Andy Murray and Roger Federer in packing his tennis bag away for the last time.
He may continue onto the US Open next month but is gracing the courts of the Roland Garros arena for the last time, having won the French Open there 14 times.
He has said 2024 is his last year on the tennis circuit and there were reports in Paris today that Rafa, who has been dogged by injury in recent years, may not compete in the Olympic singles as scheduled.
The rare appearance of his wife and child among a tennis audience was being seen as their personal tribute and farewell to the 22 grand slam title winner.
