In a heartfelt and deeply personal interview, tennis legend Rafael Nadal has opened up for the first time about his plans for passing on his legacy to his son, Rafael Nadal Jr., and how his wife, Maria Francisca Perelló (known as Mery), views this idea. While Nadal’s incredible career has left an indelible mark on the tennis world, his focus now is on shaping his son’s future in a way that balances the lessons he’s learned in tennis with the importance of pursuing his own passions—free from the intense pressures of living up to his father’s legacy.

Nadal’s career has been nothing short of legendary. With 22 Grand Slam singles titles, countless other trophies, and an unyielding will to win, Nadal’s impact on tennis is monumental. However, as he reflects on his achievements, he now wants to ensure that his son, who was born in October 2022, has the freedom to choose his own path, without feeling compelled to follow in his father’s footsteps as a tennis player.

In his recent interview, Nadal shared his philosophy about passing on his legacy: “I don’t want my son to feel that he has to be like me in tennis. What’s more important is that he grows up understanding the value of effort and respect in whatever he chooses to pursue.” Nadal emphasized that his son should have the opportunity to develop into a person with strong values, independent of the sport that made him famous.

“Of course, I would be incredibly proud if he shared my passion for tennis or sports in general,” Nadal added. “But the most important thing for me is that he becomes a good person, someone who respects others and works hard for whatever he decides to do in life. I want him to understand the value of perseverance, kindness, and humility—those are the things that matter.”

Nadal’s comments reflect a more balanced and thoughtful approach to parenting, shaped by his own experiences. He acknowledges that his career has been incredibly demanding and that tennis—while rewarding—comes with its own set of sacrifices, including time away from family, the physical toll of injuries, and the pressure of constant competition. Now, as a father, Nadal wants to shield his son from the weight of these demands.

His wife, Mery, shares his outlook but with a slightly different twist. Known for her supportive but down-to-earth nature, Mery added a lighthearted yet poignant remark regarding her son’s future. “Rafa has always been so focused and dedicated, but I wouldn’t mind if our son finds a passion that keeps him closer to home,” she said with a smile. “Maybe he’ll choose something a little less demanding than tennis! But whatever he does, I want him to enjoy life and pursue his dreams with the same dedication that Rafa has shown in his career.”

Mery’s comment reveals a side of their relationship that highlights the couple’s shared values in parenting. Both parents want their son to lead a fulfilling life, one that balances success with personal happiness. While they will no doubt support him if he chooses to follow in his father’s footsteps, they also wish for him to have the freedom to pursue whatever brings him joy and fulfillment.

As a child of one of the greatest athletes in history, Rafael Nadal Jr. will inevitably face a unique set of expectations. The shadow of his father’s legendary career may loom large, but Nadal is determined to provide a supportive and nurturing environment that allows his son to grow up free from the pressure of comparison.

“I want him to grow up knowing that my career was my dream, not his,” Nadal explained. “I want him to feel loved, accepted, and supported in whatever path he chooses, whether that’s in sports, the arts, or any other field. The goal is to give him the best possible foundation, and from there, he’ll make his own decisions.”

Nadal also spoke about the challenges of being a public figure, particularly in the age of social media, where every action and decision is scrutinized. He noted that while he’s had the privilege of living his dream on the tennis courts, it comes with a responsibility to remain grounded and teach his son the importance of humility and kindness. “I hope that he will understand that being humble and respectful are the qualities that matter most in life, not just being good at something,” Nadal said.

As the world’s most famous tennis couple, Nadal and Mery have worked hard to maintain a sense of privacy and normalcy in their personal lives. Despite Nadal’s fame, they are committed to keeping their family life private and giving their son a sense of normalcy away from the public eye. Mery, who has always been a steady presence in Nadal’s life, has played a significant role in helping him maintain balance and perspective, both on and off the court.

Their approach to raising their son reflects a shared desire to create a healthy and supportive family environment, where their son can thrive without the constant pressures that often come with being in the spotlight. Mery’s comment about hoping their son might choose a path closer to home, away from the intense spotlight of professional sports, underscores their commitment to keeping things grounded.

As Nadal enters this new chapter of his life, stepping away from his playing career and transitioning into a more family-oriented future, he remains dedicated to his tennis academy in Manacor, Spain, where he helps train the next generation of tennis stars. While his professional career on the court may have come to a close, Nadal’s passion for the sport and his commitment to giving back to the game remain unwavering.

Both Nadal and Mery have expressed their excitement about watching their son grow and supporting him in whatever path he chooses. Whether he follows in his father’s footsteps or carves his own path, one thing is clear: Rafael Nadal’s legacy will not only live on through his incredible accomplishments in tennis, but also through the values he instills in his son.

In the years to come, Nadal’s influence on the sport will continue, but his greatest legacy may well be the lessons he imparts to the next generation—not just of tennis players, but of people who strive to live with integrity, passion, and a commitment to following their dreams.