“It’s great to be a good tennis player, but it’s even more important to be a great person.” Jannik Sinner said after his maiden grand slam victory. Now, the Italian has acquired a second Grand Slam in New York, won 59 matches, and has six tour-level titles. Even in the face of adversity (due to his ongoing doping case), the World No. 1 stays true to his principles. And his kind gesture to a ball girl during his opening round match in Shanghai further reflects the same!

Jannik Sinner returned to Shanghai with the goal of surpassing his previous third-round finish. In a strong start to his campaign, he comfortably dispatched Taro Daniel in the round of 64 by a score of 6-1, 6-4. Before the tournament, he admitted, “The confidence level is in a different moment now. I feel like when I go on court, I feel more safe on the court.” Not only for himself, Sinner wants the court to be a “safe place” for people around him too!

Sinner dominated the first set, winning it decisively by a score of 6-1. In the second set, Daniel saved for a point which Sinner failed to win, leaving the ball to hit a ball girl. However, Sinner remained focused and secured the match point, before leaving to check on the well-being of the injured ball girl. He asked her if she was okay, to which the ball girl gestured with her fingers, hinting that she was fine.

While the commentator addressed it, saying, “That’s nice,” fans’ appreciation of his kind gesture reflected through their loud cheers! Below this clip of the match (shared by The Tennis Letter), fans praised the Italian through their comments. While one fan said, “Great gesture from Jannik 🫶,” another one wrote, “Wow, isn’t Jannik Sinner one of the sweetest players on tour.” Many such heartfelt comments followed.

Even during his Miami Open tournament, Tennis TV captured a heartfelt moment between Sinner and a toddler, both of whom were playing soccer! His genuine warmth and love were on display when a fan fell sick and fainted during his last-16 match against Christopher O’Connell. The game halted briefly, and Sinner quickly went there and offered the fan his drinks, ice packs, and towels. Naturally, fans appreciated his gesture with cheers!

Moreover, after his US Open quarterfinal victory against Daniil Medvedev, Sinner went up to his young fan (who was holding a banner to show his support) in the audience and appreciated his consistent support! Despite ensuring everyone else’s comfort, sadly, Sinner has failed to feel the same for himself. 

Jannik Sinner confesses why he feels uncomfortable about his doping trial!

Following his maiden US Open victory, Jannik Sinner confessed that he was not entirely immune to the lingering thoughts about his doping case. And now, despite winning the trial initially, the reopening of his case a few weeks ago (by WADA) has once again cast a shadow of a cloud over his head. Before heading into the tournament, he admitted, “It’s not in a situation where I feel comfortable in it, that’s for sure, because I thought it was over.”

Sinner, who tested positive for Clostebol twice during his Indian Wells campaign (which he eventually won), further added, “It’s not easy. I had three hearings, which went my way, which was good, but now let’s see. But I’m very confident that it comes out very positively.” Now, Sinner, who announced his doping trial in August (after ITIA cleared him from the blame), will continue his matches in Shanghai. And much like a performance, his kind-hearted gesture will also keep on impressing fans!