“It’s great to be a good tennis player, but it’s even more important to be a great person,” said Jannik Sinner after he won his first Grand Slam trophy at the Australian Open earlier this year. While he has continued to win more titles in 2024, including a second major at the Flushing Meadows in September and the season finale, last week in Turin, the Italian has also grown into a great human being. Now, his own compatriot has come forward to reveal what actually makes Sinner so special!

Jannik Sinner led Italy to its second-consecutive Davis Cup victory on Sunday, in Malaga. Italy faced the Netherlands in what was touted to be a thrilling battle. However, Sinner made it look a walk in the park. To begin with, his teammate Matteo Berrettini set the foundation for a historic win after defeating Botic Van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-2. He gave a 1-0 lead to his country before Sinner came in the next match and extended it further. The two-time Grand Slam winner beat Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(2), 6-2 to make Italy successfully defend its Davis Cup title, winning the event for a third time overall.

Berrettini praised Sinner’s on and off-court contributions after Italy’s decisive victory. “I think he proved that he’s the best player in the world,” he said. Adding further, he mentioned that Sinner is “the most humble guy on the planet”. While giving a reason for why he thinks so, Berrettini said, “The way he manages everything off court & his relationship with people makes him special”. Yes, he also lauded his exceptional and unparalleled sporting skills but confessed that he’s equally a great guy, too.

Italy ended a 47-year Davis Cup drought last year, a moment bittersweet for Berrettini, who missed the victory due to injury. Despite his absence, he supported the team and recognized Sinner’s potential for greatness. “I think I can speak for everyone. Seeing Sinner play from the sidelines is something special,” the former world No. 6 said post Italy’s win against Netherlands on Sunday.

“Last year we were already saying that this kid was something different. Everyone said they had never seen anyone hit the ball with such power, and many times it seemed like he couldn’t miss. Since then, he has only lost six games and has proven to be the best in the world.” Berrettini added: “Before the doubles match, Sinner wanted to see if all his teammates[Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori] were happy with the captain’s decision. That says a lot about him.”

Time and again, Sinner has proved how much he cares for the surrounding people. Earlier this year, at the Shanghai Masters, he touched everyone’s heart with a precious gesture on the court.

When Jannik Sinner proved he’s a man of big heart with a heartfelt gesture to the ball girl

Back in October, Jannik Sinner landed in Shanghai to improve his previous third round finish in the tournament. Playing in his first match of the event, the Fox was facing Taro Daniel. The Italian was cruising in the match with utter domination. He won the first set and was looking to seal the deal in the next one, too. In the second set, however, the Japanese player’s fierce, yet wayward strike accidentally hit a ball girl. Shortly after securing his point, Sinner immediately walked over to the ball girl and asked her if she was okay.

Responding with a gesture with her fingers, she hinted that she was fine. “That’s nice,” said the commentator, who was highly impressed by Jannik’s gesture. He made sure the girl was safe, and this behavior garnered a huge applause from the crowd. But this is not the only proof of his friendly persona.

On a previous occasion, during the Miami Open in April, a heartfelt moment captured on camera showed him playing soccer with a toddler! Likewise, his genuine behavior was on full display when a fan fell sick during his Round of 16 encounter against Christopher O’Connell. The action was stopped briefly as Sinner went into the stands and offered the fan his own towel, drinks, and ice packs. Undoubtedly, this gesture resulted in the audience appreciating him with huge cheers.

One thing is very clear, Sinner is truly a man of a big heart. He always takes an initiative for people around him to make them feel safe and secure. Such traits are rare these days, but we are lucky to have someone like Jannik, aren’t we? What do you have to say about his personality? Let us know in the comments below.