One thing that separates legends from champions is that they always surprise you, even when you think you’ve seen it all. Rafael Nadal, just months after facing an injury that put his career in jeopardy, came back from two sets down to win the final of the Australian Open. This is something for which the Spaniard received congratulatory messages from big names from the F1 community like Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, and more.
Nadal won his 21st grand slam, a record, against Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling game, 2-6 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 7-5.
His compatriot and Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz, posted an Instagram story in which he wrote, “There are no words to describe what @rafaelnadal has achieved today.”
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“My reference and my example as an athlete for more than 17 years, LEGEND,” Sainz added.
While the 2016 F1 champion Nico Rosberg wrote on his Twitter, “What. A. Legend. @RafaelNadal Super congrats to my fellow @SunreefYachts ambassador! Watched every minute of it! My daughters thought I was crazy shouting at the TV! Well done also to Medvedev.”
What. A. Legend. @RafaelNadal Super congrats to my fellow @SunreefYachts ambassador! Watched every minute of it! My daughters thought I was crazy shouting at the TV! Well done also to Medvedev. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/YgjNkT8IWY
— Nico Rosberg (@NicoRosberg) January 30, 2022
Lando Norris, George Russell, and other big names from F1 react to Nadal’s AO heroics
gg @RafaelNadal 🔥
— Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) January 30, 2022
Wow @RafaelNadal. What an athlete! What a player! Congrats on 21 🏆
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) January 30, 2022
Congratulations to @RafaelNadal for this historic 21st Grand Slam victory at @AustralianOpen! Proud that he supported the #3500LIVES Global #RoadSafety Campaign with @JCDecauxGlobal. The will and determination makes everything possible.#AUSOPEN #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/IiwcgEojnX
— Jean Todt (@JeanTodt) January 30, 2022
RAFA – UN GENIO 👏🏼 @RafaelNadal
— PIERRE GASLY 🇫🇷 (@PierreGASLY) January 30, 2022
Existen los súper héroes 🙌 #RafaelNadal
— Pedro de la Rosa (@PedrodelaRosa1) January 30, 2022
Netflix adding Drive to Survive like series in Tennis
After opening the gates of Formula 1 to a whole new generation and background of fans, Netflix is now set to use that winning formula in tennis as well.
A few days ago, Netflix announced the forthcoming Pro Tennis series. “Netflix to Serve Up Documentary Series Following Men’s and Women’s Pro Tennis Players Throughout the ATP and WTA Tours and the Grand Slam Tournaments,” a statement reads on their official website.
The series will be made with the help of producers from the DTS.
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So, just like F1, can tennis fans also expect an influx of a newer, much bigger fanbase that elevates their sport to a whole new level?
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This is something only time will tell.
Also Read: Tesla CEO Elon Musk Drops a Bold F1 Claim – “An SUV That Is Faster Than a Formula 1 Car”