In a heartbreaking moment for the tennis world, Rafael Nadal offered his condolences after the passing of the renowned Italian tennis commentator and journalist Rino Tommasi. Tommasi is remembered for his significant influence on sports journalism. He passed away on Wednesday, January 8, at the age of 90.
The former world No. 1 and 22-time Grand Slam champion posted his touching remembrance of Tommasi on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the news of his passing was made public.
Nadal wrote: “Today my thoughts are with Rino Tommasi @Rino_Tommasi and his family. Today one of the greats of tennis journalism passed away. A big hug to all my Italian friends. Rest in peace, Rino.”
According to Ubitennis, Tommasi’s voice came to represent some of Nadal’s most exciting matches, such as the Miami Open final in 2005 against Roger Federer and the historic Wimbledon Championships final in 2008, in which Nadal defeated the Swiss master in what many people believe to be one of the best tennis matches ever.
Nadal’s lovely post honoring Italian journalist Rino Tommasi prompted reactions from fans. One fan wrote: “A real giant of our trade. I liked him a lot. Rino’s note-taking on tennis matches was an art form in itself, and his presence in stadiums across the world was immense for the 40 years I knew him. Tennis will rightly be mourning today. Lovely words, Rafa.”
Another fan wrote: “From up there, Rino will be happy and proud of this beautiful thought of yours. Thanks, Rafa. Rip Rino.”
Oggi il mio pensiero è con Rino Tommasi @Rino_Tommasi e la sua famiglia.
Oggi se ne è andato uno dei grandi del giornalismo del tennis. Un forte abbraccio a tutti i miei amici italiani. Descansa en paz Rino 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/VoIuRgvyPa— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) January 8, 2025
