Rafael Nadal, who’s competing at the Brisbane International for the first time in his career, is making the most of his time Down Under. He has taken some time out of his busy training schedule to meet Dian the koala.
Rafael Nadal of Spain holds a Koala on day two of the 2017 Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena on January 2, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Jan. 1, 2017 – Source: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal is making his debut appearance at the Brisbane International, and was fittingly welcomed by Dian, the koala. (Photos: Tennis Photo Network)
Rafael Nadal is making his debut appearance at the Brisbane International, and was fittingly welcomed by Dian, the koala. (Photos: Tennis Photo Network)
Rafael Nadal of Spain holds a Koala on day two of the 2017 Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena on January 2, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Jan. 1, 2017 – Source: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain holds a Koala on day two of the 2017 Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena on January 2, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Jan. 1, 2017 – Source: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain holds a Koala on day two of the 2017 Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena on January 2, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Jan. 1, 2017 – Source: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain holds a Koala on day two of the 2017 Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena on January 2, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Jan. 1, 2017 – Source: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain holds a Koala on day two of the 2017 Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena on January 2, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Jan. 1, 2017 – Source: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain holds a Koala on day two of the 2017 Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena on January 2, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Jan. 1, 2017 – Source: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Adorable 💖 you’re a sweetheart Rafa 😊😘
Rafa is so freaking cute OMG !
Rafa expected to have a day off after his first match. I am concerned about all the rain delays. If the rain/wind/anti-cyclonic weather is not expected to let up until Sunday, how will the tournament go on….
Any meteorologists around?
RAFA ROCKS
RAFAI I love the pics.You have a great smile ,and good luck in Australia,your FANS FOR EVER,🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍👍👍🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️
Lovely photo , glad to see Rafa getting a little downtime before the hard work begins . What a treat ( for the koala ) . Good luck tomorrow Rafa ( 10.30 UK time on BTSport 1) Great also to see Roger back at the Holman Cup.
<3
LOVE THE PICS. MILLION DOLLAR SMILE , AS ALWAYS.
ALL THE BEST FOR THE FUTURE MATCHES.
LOVE YOU ALWAYS. 💝💖💔💓❤💙💚💛💗💜💟😙😙😙
(Posted earlier on different Brisbane article)
FIRST SHOCKER OF 2017
I saw the video of Rafa’s pre-presser photo-op at Queensland. Dian, an adorable (have never seen an ugly one) koala, is handed to Rafa. He holds her against his chest as if she were a baby. ADORABLE.
Rafa never ceases to amaze me. He said he is afraid of all animals “because he doesn’t know what they are thinking.” Well it looks as if these two hit it off, Rafa was smiling from ear-to-ear as Dian was cuddled up against him. When it was time for Dian to be taken away, she was having non of that. She attempted to cling to Rafa by extending her arm to reach over his shoulder for a don’t-take-me-away grip. LOL. Smart lady.
Rafa live-streamed his practice session on FB. Fortunately the area leading to the court entrance was cordoned off so Rafa didn’t have to fight his way onto the court. Reports are that Mary is with him. Glad she is taking a break from work to cheer for Rafa in his first-ever appearance at Brisbane.
BEST OF TENNIS TO YOU RAFA, AND SOME LUCK TOO.
The koala pictures were just lovely. Rafa has the most engaging smile and he looked quite at ease with his furry friend. Yes Mary is with him. I saw her on a video of the koala cuddling.She was taking photos of him , along with the press and fans, of course. She has never been to Australia before.
Geezz, I missed her, thanks for confirming. Am surprised she’s never been to Australia with him. My eyes were glued on Rafa and Dian.
Yes, I was surprised by the ease with which he let Dian cling to him, and the very protective way he carried her. Daddy practice. I honestly expected him to get nervous when she lifted her head to gaze at him. I love this photo-op.
Agree about everyone wanting a piece of Rafa but am sure you were happy to see that he was well guarded on his walk to practice, separated from fans by security personnel and a partition.
RAFA ROCKS