Rafael Nadal news: ‘I hope one day we will meet,’ Australian Open champion tells Sadio Mane

The budding bromance between Rafael Nadal and Sadio Mane has continued on the back of the Liverpool star’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) success.

Nadal’s glorious run at the 2022 Australian Open that saw him win a second title at Melbourne Park and lift a 21st Grand Slam trophy prompted Mane to send a congratulatory message to the Spaniard.

Mane, who was representing Senegal at the AFCON in Cameroon at the time, told the tennis icon in a video message: “I want to say congratulations.

“I watched [the 2022 Australian Open final]. You were unbelievable. And, hopefully, we are also going to make it tomorrow.”

And Mane and Senegal did “make it” as they went all the way, beating Egypt on penalties in the final to lift the trophy for the first time.

Nadal then also took time out to congratulate Mane on his “incredible achievement”.

“I want to congratulate you. It’s amazing that you achieved the Africa Cup, I think, for the first time,” he said in a short video.

“I am very happy for you. I wish you all the very best,” Nadal said. “Enjoy this incredible achievement, and I hope one day we will meet. See you soon!”