Former French cyclist Jérôme Pineau has stated that Rafael Nadal is not a good role model for young athletes due to his approach to injuries.
Pineau made the comments during a recent appearance on RMC’s “Les Grandes Gueules du Sport.” He said Nadal’s willingness to play through pain sends the wrong message.
“No, (Rafael) Nadal is not a good role model for young athletes,” Pineau said. “Given his facts and his words, if he were a cyclist, he would be convicted of doping.”
Pineau acknowledged Nadal’s resilience and talent but criticized the Spaniard’s decision to compete while managing chronic foot issues. Nadal was diagnosed with Mueller-Weiss syndrome after breaking his left foot in 2005. He later played the 2022 French Open with his foot anesthetized.
Pineau said he prefers a different approach. “If I have a problem, I take care of myself, I stop and start again when I am healed,” he added. The cyclist did not accuse Nadal of breaking anti-doping rules.
