Jannik Sinner sends message to Rafael Nadal after Spanish legend’s farewell

Ewan West 22 Nov 2024 9:41 AM

Jannik Sinner has paid tribute to Rafael Nadal

Jannik Sinner has joined the list of high-profile stars to send a heartfelt message to Rafael Nadal after the tennis icon’s retirement.

Nadal played the last match of his staggering 23-year career in Spain’s Davis Cup quarter-final loss to the Netherlands in Malaga this week.

The former world No 1 fell in straight sets to Botic van de Zandschulp in the first rubber of a surprise 2-1 defeat for the hosts.

“Of course it has been an emotional day, nerves before what can be my last singles match,” a tearful Nadal said in an on-court speech after Spain’s exit.

“Feeling the national anthem for the last time like a professional has been very special. And then of course a little bit of mixed feelings makes things a little bit more difficult.

“But that’s it. We went on court. We live that moment. I tried to do my best. I tried to, at the same time, stay as positive as possible in every single moment, to play with the right energy. It was not enough. Congrats to Botic. That’s all. He was better than me.”

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On captain David Ferrer’s decision to select him in singles, Nadal added: “Of course, it hasn’t been an easy decision for the captain, but at the end, I really believe that David put on the field the player who he feels that had the better chance to win.

“Because I give him, since the beginning, the input that he doesn’t need to feel any pressure to put me, honestly, and I was not sure to play. I even give him more chances to put Roberto on the field than me during the whole week.

“Probably watching that today, the decision to put me on the court as second player didn’t work.”

Sinner thanked Nadal and congratulated him on his career in a short video posted on his Instagram story.

“Rafa, what can I say? Just thank you so much for everything you have done and what you have given us as a player, but especially as a person,” the world No 1 said.

“Incredible career, just wanted to say huge congrats to you, to your team, to your family. And I wish you nothing but the best for a new chapter of your life. Ciao, ciao.”

The 23-year-old Italian also paid tribute to the 22-time Grand Slam champion last month after the news of his retirement decision broke.

“I was very lucky to get to know him… he’s an unbelievable person,” Sinner said during the Shanghai Masters.

“Of course, we all saw how good he has been as a player and the lessons he taught us, the young players how to behave on the court, how to handle different situations on the court, the tough situations… he gave us all a lot of emotions when we saw him playing.

“At the same time, staying humble, not changing with success, choosing the right people around him, having a great family. There are so many great things he gave to all of us.”

Sinner lost to Nadal in straight sets in each of the pair’s three encounters, which all came on clay between 2020 and 2021. The pair faced off at the French Open in both of these years, while they also met at the 2021 Italian Open.

Italy and Spain could have met in the Davis Cup final this week as the two nations were on the opposite sides of the Final 8 stage draw.

Sinner inspired Italy to a 2-1 quarter-final victory over Argentina on Thursday night to set up a semi-final clash with Australia.