Rafael Nadal’s baby son stole the spotlight during his father’s heartfelt farewell ceremony at the French Open. The Spaniard retired from professional tennis last year after representing Spain in the 2024 Davis Cup.
On Sunday, May 26, 2025, the 22-time Grand Slam champion was honored at Roland-Garros’ Court Philippe-Chatrier with a special tribute celebrating his remarkable achievements at the French Open.
Rafael Nadal’s Baby Son Steals the Show at His French Open Farewell Ceremony
Nadal’s dominance at the French Open is unparalleled; he has claimed the title 14 times and holds the record for 112 wins against just four losses. This year, amid the ongoing 2025 French Open, the former World No. 1 received a well-deserved tribute at Court Philippe-Chatrier. The ceremony was attended by tennis legends Roger Federer, Andy Murray, and Novak Djokovic, along with Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek, among others.
Nadal’s family was also in attendance, including his wife, Maria Francisca Perello; his two-year-old son; father Sebastian; mother Ana Maria; and sister Maribel. However, it was his young son who captured the hearts of many.
1. Rafael Nadal’s Son Walks Down the Famous French Open Steps
Following the ceremony, Nadal was seen holding his son’s hand as they walked down the familiar stairs of Roland Garros, steps he had walked on countless times before. The delighted two-year-old was seen adorably jumping off the last few steps while holding his father’s hand.
We've seen Rafa walk those famous steps so many times, and now Junior. pic.twitter.com/uPjxKYbV2h
— Del🇪🇺 (@Stroppa_Del)
2. The Two-Year-Old Meets His Father’s Biggest Rivals
The toddler also interacted with Murray, Federer, and Djokovic and even exchanged high-fives with them.
Big 4 ❌
Big 5 🤝#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/g5ldA2U45b— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros)
3. Nadal’s Son Waves Goodbye to Thousands of Fans Assembled for the Ceremony
Nadal carried his son in his arms after the ceremony. He exited the court, waving the crowd a goodbye with his little one.
Rafa exits PC carrying his sonpic.twitter.com/tIZ52ubKkF
— Llama 𝕊𝕒𝕪𝕤 ☄🌠🚀 (@tennis_lol)
4. The Toddler Joins Fans in Cheering For His Father
During his speech, the former World No. 1 was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, and his son joined in, clapping and cheering for his father with an infectious smile.
BABY RAFA 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/k34PJAJMCK
— kay nonsense (@atp4me)
5. The Father-Son Duo Catch Up With Carlos Alcaraz
Nadal’s son also met with Alcaraz backstage and greeted him with a clap on the hand.
Carlos 🤝 Rafa 🤝 Rafael Junior#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/8Iobh1W4wx
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros)
‘Everything Surprises You Because Everything Is New’ – When Rafael Nadal Spoke About Being a Father
Last year, while speaking to E!, the tennis legend opened up about his experience of fatherhood. He shared that being new parents, everything is different for him and his wife, Maria Francisca Perello, and they are learning something new about parenthood every day.
“Everything surprises you because everything is new. Especially the first kid you have, everything is 100 percent new for my wife and for me. So you learn every day, and every day is unexpected,” he said.
The Spaniard mentioned that he has always liked kids and has loved spending time with them.
“I have always been a kids’ guy. I always enjoyed spending time with the kids. I had plenty of smaller cousins than me, so I had a lot of fun with them when they were babies,” he added.
Nadal and Perello dated for 14 years before tying the knot in 2019 in their hometown of Mallorca. The couple welcomed their first son in October 2022 and are now expecting their second child.
