Before returning to Spain for treatment on the injury that derailed his comeback at the Australian Open, Grand Slam icon Rafael Nadal was photographed in a park in Brisbane with his father and infant son.

The 22-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal was forced to return home to Spain rather than try to win his third championship at Melbourne Park after suffering a hip injury during his defeat to Australian Jordan Thompson at the Brisbane International last week.

Before the Australian Open, the 37-year-old had stated he would travel to Melbourne and take a break, but a diagnostic showed he had sustained a microtear in the same hip, which had kept him sidelined for almost a year.

Just before the injury became apparent, the former world No. 1 was seen in endearing moments with his father Sebastian and one-year-old son Rafael Junior.

Rafael Junior was playing with a little white tennis racquet while the three of them enjoyed the sun. 

Rafael Nadal was spotted in a Brisbane Park with his adorable son Rafael Junior (pictured together) and his father Sebastian

Rafael Junior, who was born in October 2022, amused himself with a tiny tennis racquet – at one stage appearing to hit his father with it

Rafael Junior was born in October 2022. After traveling to Sydney for the United Cup tournament, his father recently talked about the influence his first kid has had on his life and career.

I lost the first round of the first event I played like a father without the baby beside me. Second, I was no longer in the group stage because I was traveling with the infant. I won my last match in the end, but I still need to get better, right?’ he asked.

‘We have some help. No problem at all. I simply need to organize my life a little bit, like everyone must when they have a child.

Many admirers are afraid that the tennis icon won’t play in the Australian Open again after his most recent injury setback, and Mats Wilander thinks the late ailment might even force the legend to retire.

‘It’s incredibly sad news,’ Wilander remarked on Eurosport.

“Undoubtedly, this is the most unfortunate news for him, as I witnessed his first three matches in Brisbane.” Against Dominic Thiem in the opening encounter, he looked fantastic.

“In the second round, when he faced Jason Kubler, he looked even better.”

‘And then, having three match points in the third round against Jordan Thompson. He had a terrific appearance.

The heartwarming scenes with three generations of Nadals – (from left to right) grandfather Sebastian, father Rafael and Rafael Junior – came just before the 22-time grand slam winner was forced out of the Australian Open because of injury

If these photos are anything to go by, Rafa Junior will play tennis right handed, unlike his southpaw father

Nadal has previously joked about how he and wife Maria had to reorganise their lives when their son came into the world

“Those match points are his to lose.” That’s what we’ve all done in our professions.

‘The older you get, maybe the more pressure you put on yourself but I believe it’s a little bit of a wake-up call in one way.

We’ve frequently been awakened to severe injuries sustained by others, but the injury he currently has, upon hearing the description, is miniscule. The injuries he sustains, in comparison to other athletes, are really distinct.

You suddenly realize that the smaller muscles in his body are also affected, in addition to his ankle, knee, and larger muscle mass.

“He has either put in a lot of training over the years, or he tries so hard that he breaks.” And it’s really unique.