World No.2 Rafael Nadal has hinted that he and his partner are hoping to have their first child in the near future during his first Instagram live broadcast.
The 19-time grand slam champion was joined by both Roger Federer and Andy Murray during his live stream. During the hour-long talk Nadal spoke about numerous topics as he spoke out about the COVID-19 pandemic. Which has killed more than 100,000 people and has brought tennis to a standstill.
“It’s tough to watch how many families and people are losing members of their family without even saying goodbye. I can’t imagine something like this.” Nadal commented on the pandemic.
Speaking with fellow former world No.1 Murray, the king of clay reminisced about them playing pro evolution against each other. Their rivalry in the world of online gaming will be renewed in the coming weeks after both signing up to play in the virtual Madrid Open. The conversation then drifted to fatherhood with Murray speaking about having to wake up at 6am every morning. It was during this moment when the Spaniard dropped a new revelation.
“I hope to be in your situation (having kids) in not a very long period of time,’ he said.
The comment prompted a witty reply from the Brit who joked ‘Now’s a good time now that you’re alone with the family.” Nadal is the only member of the Big Three yet to have a child. He married his wife, Xisca Perelló, in a lavish ceremony last year.
Murray: Enjoy your late nights whilst you don’t have kids
Nadal (smiling): I hope to be in your situation in a not very long period of time…
Murray: Well now is a good time because we’re at home with the family all the time…
Nadal: You never know, you never know!
👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/EN1optYXgA
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) April 20, 2020
Whilst having a family is on his mind, it doesn’t mean that Nadal is contemplating quitting the sport anytime soon. Questioned about his motivation, the Spaniard reiterated that he is driven by his passion. Vowing to continue his career as long as that remains regardless of his results.
“My motivation is very easy to understand. I love what I am doing. I feel super lucky that I have been able to enjoy all these experiences because of tennis,” he said.
“Honestly, I want to keep doing the things that I like. It doesn’t matter if I achieve a lot or not that much. I like to be out there and play in the best stadiums. I love to play tennis and the competitions, so I am just trying to stay healthy.”
Federer is in no hurry to return
After an awkward pause due to Nadal getting used to life as a Instagram broadcaster, he was joined by nemesis Federer. Who is currently spending lockdown in his native country of Switzerland. The world No.4 hasn’t played on the ATP Tour since the Australian Open in January after having knee surgery.
https://twitter.com/tumcarayol/status/1252273972466651137
It had been planned that Federer would return to the tour in June before the suspension occurred. Although he has hinted that not everything has gone as smoothly as he would have wanted during his rehab.
“With the knee it is ok. I had a really good first six weeks and then it (the recovery) was getting a bit slower,” he explained. “Now it is getting better again but I have plenty of time so there is no stress or rush.’
Elaborating further, the 38-year-old said that the focus remains solely on his health. Federer is currently the oldest player in the ATP top 100. Although world No.56 Feliciano Lopez is the same age, but a month younger than him.
“If there is any positive (from the current situation) is that I have plenty of time.” Federer said.
“At the end of the day it doesn’t matter when I return as long as my knee is good. I’ve been hitting against the wall, doing my rehab and fitness. ‘
“Things have been ok for me. I feel happy.”
A thread of the best moment of Nadal’s live.
Rafa tells Roger that the last time he held his racket was in Indian Wells. pic.twitter.com/Yb67klby0y
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) April 20, 2020
Murray is another on the comeback from injury after not playing since the Davis Cup finals last November due to pelvic bruising. Prior to that, he has also undergone two hip surgeries.
“I’ve been training a lot. I’ve been able to do lots of things but I haven’t practiced for five weeks since everything started to get shut down,” Murray explained. “I am still doing some training and feel pretty good.”
“We will see what happens when we are able to start doing things again.”
The ATP Tour has been suspended until at least July 13th.
After 15 years playing against each other… We had the first meeting between @RafaelNadal & @rogerfederer in @instagram! 😍
Dis you enjoy it? 😊 pic.twitter.com/5Pe7gwwB5x— Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rnadalacademy) April 20, 2020
