In a heartwarming display of camaraderie in the tennis world, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner has gone above and beyond to celebrate the birth of Rafael Nadal’s second child. The Italian star, known for his fierce on-court presence, showed his softer side by immediately reaching out to the Spanish legend and his wife, Maria Francisca “Xisca” Perelló, following the arrival of their baby boy on August 7.
Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion who retired from professional tennis earlier this year, welcomed his second son, Miquel, at the Quirónsalud Palmaplanas Hospital in Palma de Mallorca. The newborn joins the couple’s first child, Rafael Jr., born in 2022. According to reports, the family left the hospital on Saturday, August 9, in high spirits, with Nadal expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and fellow players.
As soon as Xisca Perelló and Rafael Nadal welcomed their newborn baby on August 7, Jannik Sinner immediately called the legend to congratulate him on this important moment. Sources close to the players revealed that Sinner, who has often cited Nadal as a major inspiration in his career, was among the first to extend his well-wishes via a personal phone call, sharing words of joy and admiration for the growing Nadal family.
Despite his busy schedule at the Cincinnati Open 2025—where Sinner is the top seed and preparing for what could be another dominant performance—the young Italian made time for an unexpected visit to the Nadal residence in Mallorca. The tournament, running from August 10 to 17, has Sinner focused on defending his title from the previous year, but he reportedly flew in briefly between practice sessions, catching the new parents off guard. This gesture left Rafael Nadal and his wife emotional, with insiders describing the moment as “deeply touching” and a testament to the respect between the generations of tennis stars.
But the surprise was not over yet when Sinner also gave Rafael a big surprise gift when he presented the family with a custom-made lucky bracelet for baby Miquel, engraved with a tiny tennis ball and accompanied by a heartfelt note wishing the child a future filled with “aces and victories.” The gift, symbolizing the passing of the torch from one tennis great to the next generation, reportedly brought tears to the eyes of the Nadals, who have always valued personal connections over material gestures.
“Jannik has always been like a younger brother to me,” Nadal was quoted as saying in a brief statement to close friends. “His thoughtfulness during this special time means the world to us.” Sinner, for his part, downplayed the act, telling reporters at the Cincinnati Open press conference, “Rafa has given so much to tennis and to all of us. It’s the least I could do to celebrate his new chapter as a father.”
This isn’t the first time Sinner has shown public admiration for Nadal. Earlier in 2025, after winning Wimbledon, Sinner dedicated his victory to the retired Spaniard, crediting him for shaping his approach to the game. The bracelet gift, however, adds a personal layer to their bond, blending the worlds of professional rivalry and genuine friendship.
As Nadal settles into retirement and family life, moments like these highlight the enduring legacy he leaves behind—not just in titles and records, but in the relationships he’s fostered. Congratulations once again to the Nadal family, and best of luck to Sinner as he chases more glory on the court.
