Smooth operation: F1 driver Carlos Sainz meets Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner in Monte Carlo
Drivers including George Russell and Lando Norris have also been spotted taking in the action throughout the week at the ATP Masters 1000 event.
Talk about a smooth operation: Formula 1 star Carlos Sainz enjoyed a perfect day at the tennis on Wednesday at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters—which included a meeting with two of the biggest names in the draw.
The Ferrari driver is a regular visitor to the ATP Masters 1000 tournament, which has become one of the Principality’s favorite events on its glittering social calendar frequented by celebrities, actors and, of course, Formula 1 drivers like Sainz.
The Spaniard was one of several drivers who have already graced Court Rainier III—Mercedes’ George Russell and McLaren’s Lando Norris were spotted earlier in the week—but he got an extra treat in chatting with world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner.
WATCH: Jannik Sinner talks meeting Carlos Sainz after second-round win in Monte Carlo | Tennis Channel Live
First up was a meeting with two-time champion Djokovic, who burst out in laughter when Sainz lamented about his “terrible” backhand and “okay” forehand:
“It’s in the Spanish blood to have a better forehand!” Djokovic joked.
The Serbian also asked Sainz about his signature celebration—crooning a verse from ‘Smooth Operator’ by Sade—which recently went viral after race audio caught Sainz’s team worrying about a potential copyright strike as they attempted to stop him from singing.
“When you were singing Smooth Operator, was that a joke from your team when they said that it’s copyright?” Djokovic asked. “So you can (sing it?)”
“Oh yeah, I can do whatever I want,” Sainz responded, and confirmed the team was just joking.
Sainz grabbed some photos with Djokovic, and even got his water bottle autographed. But their whirlwind meeting had to be quick, because according to the tournament’s official account Sainz’s itinerary was packed:
- 2:35 p.m.: Carlos Sainz meets Novak Djokovic
- 2:45 p.m.: Carlos Sainz meets Jannik Sinner
The world No. 2 is famously a Ferrari fan, and he’s become even more involved with motosport in his role as a Formula 1 ambassador, so he was thrilled to chat with Sainz. The driver told the Italian he was sitting “right behind” him and cheering him on during Sinner’s 6-1, 6-2 demolition over Sebastian Korda in the second round.
“It’s obviously really nice to meet these kinds of people,” Sinner told Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj. “I’m a Formula 1 fan, and a Ferrari fan even more so it’s nice to have him around here. He also enjoys watching different sports. I would love to go to a couple of races if I have time, but our schedules are very long and very tough to get out to races.
“I’m very happy for him, he’s doing an amazing season at the moment. He won one race and he’s one of the most consistent drivers in Formula 1. It was a nice feeling.”
Check out even more Formula 1 drivers enjoying their day out at the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters:
