What is it about early August birthdays in men’s tennis: Rafael Nadal’s new baby, Roger Federer, and Rod Laver share birthdays on consecutive days. How is this possible?
1. Rafael Nadal Welcomes Baby #2 On August 7
Rafael Nadal is now a father of two!
He and Mery welcomed a second son named Miquel on August 7th.
— Tick Tock Tennis (@TickTockTennis) August 9, 2025
On August 7, we learned that Rafael Nadal and his wife Mery, welcomed their second son, Miquel, named after Mery’s late father who passed away in 2023.
Aside from a photo with Roger Federer and talking with Alexander Zverev while Zverev was practicing at the Rafael Nadal Academy, we have not seen much of Rafael Nadal lately since the French Open ceremony in his honor. Hardly a day goes by, when he is not mentioned or thought about.
He is missed, but fans are happy that he and Mery are enjoying less travel and their newly expanded family.
2. Roger Federer Turns 44 On August 8
Happy birthday, @rogerfederer! 🤗 pic.twitter.com/CHHGzaAq16
— Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rnadalacademy) August 8, 2025
Like Nadal, we do not see much of Federer these days. That’s the beauty of retirement for these legends. They are off the rigorous travel and training tennis schedule, and they can enjoy their families and normal life. However, Kei Nishikori’s backhand in his first round Cincinnati Open loss caused some to pause and think of him.
Kei Nishikori hits a RIDICULOUS one-handed backhand passing shot in Cincinnati
Is it a coincidence that he whips this out on Federer’s birthday?
I think not.
🇯🇵🤌 pic.twitter.com/3USzcumb7m
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 8, 2025
Federer turned 44 on August 8, but many of us have not fully recovered from his emotional departure from the sports in September 2022 at the Laver Cup.
3. Rod Laver Turns 87 On August 9
Completing the tennis trifecta of birthdays is the icon, “Rocket” Rod Laver who continues to keep himself in the tennis chatter. Despite missing the Australian Open this year, he stays active on social media during big matches.
Rod Laver turns 87 today and he dropped an incredibly hard picture with his 1969 Calendar Slam pic.twitter.com/AbaRFHGpz9
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) August 9, 2025
The birthday picture with his 1969 Calendar Slam trophies is the ultimate flex for someone who it is impossible to believe is an octogenarian.
These are not the only August tennis birthdays. Two American tennis legends also celebrate this month. Pete Sampras turns 54 on August 12, and Andy Roddick is 43 on August 30.
