Formula 1 star Carlos Sainz had an unforgettable day at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters tennis tournament on Wednesday, meeting two of the biggest names in the sport: Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.
Sainz, a regular visitor to the ATP Masters 1000 event, was spotted chatting with Djokovic, the world No. 1, who joked about Sainz’s “terrible” backhand and “okay” forehand. Djokovic also inquired about Sainz’s signature celebration, singing a verse from Sade’s “Smooth Operator,” which went viral after race audio revealed his team’s concerns about a potential copyright strike. Sainz confirmed that the team was joking and that he was free to sing as he pleased.
Sainz also met with Sinner, the Australian Open champion and world No. 2, who is a Ferrari fan and Formula 1 ambassador. Sinner expressed his admiration for Sainz, who had cheered him on during his second-round victory.
“It’s obviously really nice to meet these kinds of people,” Sinner said. “I’m a Formula 1 fan, and a Ferrari fan even more so it’s nice to have him around here.”
Sainz’s packed itinerary included a meeting with Djokovic at 2:35 p.m. and with Sinner at 2:45 p.m. Other Formula 1 drivers, including George Russell and Lando Norris, were also spotted at the tournament.
Sainz’s presence at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters highlights the growing crossover between Formula 1 and other sports. Sinner expressed his desire to attend a Formula 1 race if his schedule permits, while Sainz enjoys watching different sports.
