Ferrari F1 driver Carlos Sainz hailed legendary tennis player Rafael Nadal on May 19 after the 36-year-old confirmed that he would not take part in this year’s French Open due to an injury to his iliopsoas muscle in his left leg. This would be the first time since 2005 that Nadal will not take part in the tournament.
If his decision to pull out of the tournament was not heartbreaking enough for his fans, the Spaniard made his supporters even more emotional by suggesting that 2024 could be his last year. Nadal explained that his body is seemingly giving up, which is why he may not be able to continue playing for much longer.
On hearing this heartbreaking news, Sainz took to his Instagram handle and wrote (translated from Spanish), “Cheer legend, we are with you“. Alongside his post, Sainz added an image of Nadal with the Roland Garros trophy, a tournament that the 36-year-old has won a record 14 times during his illustrious career.
‘My body is giving up: Nadal on potential retirement in 2024
While speaking about his decision to withdraw from the upcoming French Open tournament, Rafael Nadal said (as quoted by atptour.com),
“It is probably going to be my last year on the professional tour. I can’t say this 100 percent because you never know what is going to happen”.
The Spaniard then went on to add that it is not that he is keen to retire early but that he does not feel in a condition where he can play much longer. “It is not a decision I am taking, it is a decision my body is taking,” explained the 36-year-old.
Carlos Sainz considers Rafael Nadal as one of his role models
In an interview with Corriere Della Sera last year, Carlos Sainz explained that while he likes to have his own personality, he too has role models. His role models included two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso, 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal and his father, Carlos Sainz Sr.
When asked to explain his decision to choose Nadal since the 36-year-old is not part of the racing fraternity, Sainz replied, “He is an example on and off the field. For his desire to win, for the respect of the opponents“.
And it is pertinent to note that Nadal too has a similar level of respect for Sainz. After the Ferrari driver won his first F1 race at the British Grand Prix last year, Nadal took to his Instagram account and wrote (translated from Spanish), “Congratulations on your first big win“.
