Playing on the home turf always has a big advantage in sports. The added support from the home crowd can boost a player’s morale and might even help the players turn losing situations into winning ones. With the ATP Finals staged in Turin, Jannik Sinner had the added advantage of playing on his home turf. However, during the match between Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz, a surprising event occurred that drew reactions from the fans.

During Fritz’s match against de Minaur, a section of fans were quite vocal in support of the Australian star. A possible reason could be that de Minaur winning a set would make Sinner’s way into the semifinals. Earlier, Sinner won both his matches against Taylor Fritz and de Minaur. As a result, he just needed Fritz to lose a set against de Minaur to confirm his entry into the semifinals.

The crowd support eventually worked as the Australian star won the first set 7-5. Subsequently, he is looking good to carry on the momentum and defeat Fritz. However, the fans on social media were left curious about the support de Minaur received in Italy.

Jannik Sinner fans supporting Alex de Minaur leave fans in a frenzy

One of the fans remembered de Minaur’s support for Sinner when he was asked about the ongoing doping controversy. “As for Jannik, I can only say what I know of him as a person. Even though he’s kicked my a** seven times now, he’s a great guy. We shared a lot of moments on the court together. He and his team, I’ve got a lot of respect for,” De Minaur said. Recalling that, a fan wrote “In addition, rather than other players. Alex has shown his support to Sinner in the doping case.”

Sinner tested positive for Clostebol but was let off after providing a satisfactory explanation about how he came in contact with it. However, the WADA has now appealed against the decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).

Further, another fan felt that Sinner fans were cheering for de Minaur as the latter’s win would guarantee Sinner a place in the last 4 of the ATP Finals. The comment read, “It’s a mix of things IMO. Surely sinner’s qualification matters, but I think it’s also because de minaur is more likeable in general.” Another fan echoed the same sentiment, as he wrote, “I think it is related to be completely honest! They want their man to go all the way and they know what will get him through.” 

Meanwhile, a fan watching the match felt that the strong support for de Minaur definitely boosted his morale. With the decibel levels being high, de Minaur was able to bring out his best. The fan wrote, “Interesting atmosphere! The crowd’s energy is all for De Minaur tonight, and it definitely adds a layer to the match.”

On the other hand, one of the fans made a blunt statement about de Minaur. The Australian star had earlier lost his match against Sinner in straight sets. As a result, one fan said, “We like losers.”

With the excitement running high among the home crowd, Sinner has made his way into the last 4 of the tournament with de Minaur winning the first set. Nonetheless, he would look to continue his winning run when he takes on Daniil Medvedev later today.