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

Grand Slam legend Rafael Nadal has interrupted his preparations for the Australian Open by taking his wife Xisca Perello and their baby on a trip around the spectacular Sydney Harbour.

The former world number 1 was seen protectively cradling Rafael Junior in his arms as the trio boarded a boat on Wednesday, with him and his son wearing matching white and navy suits for the trip.

They were joined by friends and one of Nadal’s coaches, former Argentine professional player Gustavo Marcaccio, as they took in views of one of the world’s most famous stretches of water.

Nadal cradled Rafael Junior in his arms as they boarded his chartered boat before the trip down the famously spectacular waterway.

The world number 2 and his son wore white and navy suits for the trip with Nadal’s wife Xisca (in pink cap).

Rafael Junior was born in October last year and his father opened up 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 as a parent without the baby with me, I lost the first round. Second event, traveling with the baby, I was left out of the group stage. In the end I won my last match, but I need to keep improving, right?’ he said.

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

The Spaniard’s form has been shaky since he arrived in Australia to prepare for his bid to win a second straight Australian Open title.

He lost to Cameron Norrie and Australian underdog Alex De Minaur in the United Cup and was quick to say the format of the new tournament, in which national teams compete, should be changed after his loss came in a dead match.

Little Rafa Junior was kept safe and sound thanks to his protective father, who spoke about the big changes he has made to his life and game since the birth of his son in October.

Nadal has been annoyed by a slew of questions about whether to retire since he touched down, but there were no such concerns as he headed into port.

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

‘Putting things in perspective [for] this competition, I find a negative point”, said the world number 2.

‘The competition is great. The idea is great. It’s not great that we’re playing for nothing today.

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

Nadal was also upset by constant questions from the media about whether he is about to retire.

‘I lost my match. That’s all, isn’t it? Every time I come to a press conference it seems that I have to retire. So you are very interested in my retirement. I mean, that, at the moment, is not the case,” he told reporters after his loss to Norrie.

‘When the day comes, I’ll let you know, guys. Do not continue with the retirement, because I am here to continue playing tennis.