Rafael Nadal cradles his baby boy as he and wife Xisca take a harbor cruise in Sydney

Grand Slam legend Rafael Nadal has paused his preparations for the Australian Open by gifting his wife Xisca Perello and young son a trip to Sydney’s spectacular harbour.

The former world No. 1 was seen protectively cradling Rafael Junior as the trio boarded a boat on Wednesday, with him and his son wearing matching white and navy outfits for the trip.

They were joined by friends and one of Nadal’s coaching staff, Argentinian former professional player Gustavo Marcaccio, as they took in the sights on one of the most famous bodies of water in the world.

Nadal cradled Rafael Junior in his arms as they boarded their rental boat before cruising around the famously spectacular waterway

The world No. 2 and his son both wore white and navy outfits for the trip with Nadal’s wife Xisca (in pink beanie)

Rafael Junior was born in October last year and his father spoke about the impact his first child had on his life and game after arriving in Sydney for the United Cup tournament.

“The first event where I played like a father without the baby with me, I lost in the first round. In the second event, Traveling with the Baby, I was out of the group stage. In the end I won my last match, but I have to keep improving, right?’ he said.

“We have some help. No problem. I just have to organize my life a bit, like everyone has to do when you have a child in your life.’

The Spaniard’s form has been rocky since arriving Down Under to prepare for his bid to win a second straight Australian Open title.

He fell to Cameron Norrie and Australia outsider Alex De Minaur in the United Cup and promptly said the format of the new tournament, which will see national teams play each other, should be changed after his defeat came during a dead rubber.

Little Rafa Junior has been kept safe and healthy by his protective father, who has spoken about the big changes he’s made to his life and game since the birth of his son in October

Nadal has been fraught with a host of questions about whether he will retire since landing Down Under – but there were no such worries as he headed to port

Nadal will look to extend his world record by winning his 23rd Grand Slam title when the Australian Open begins on January 16

“Put things in perspective [for] I find this competition negative,” said the number 2 in the world.

“The competition is great. idea is great. It’s not great that we’re playing for free today.

“It’s the first year of this competition, so we have to fix that, improve it and make it more interesting for everyone.”

Nadal was also upset as he kept answering questions from the media about whether he would be retiring soon.

“I lost my match. Is that it, no? Every time I come to a press conference I feel like I have to withdraw. So you’re very interested in my retirement. I mean, that’s not the case at the moment,” he told reporters after his loss to Norrie.

“When the day comes, I’ll let you know, folks. Don’t go ahead with retiring because I’m here to keep playing tennis.