Paris, June 9, 2025– After the sensational and painful defeat in the final against Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros,Jannik SinnerHe received a gesture that surprised everyone, too.Rafael Nadal, legend of world tennis and champion of 14 titles by Roland Garros, sent a personal message to the young Italian talent, who moved not only Sinner, but also the media from all over the world.
In his message, Nadal not only expressed his support for the young Italian, but also sent aprecious giftwho touched Sinner’s heart and made him burst into tears. These are the words that Nadal wrote:
“Jannik, there is no defeat that can cancel the talent you have. Every step you take is a victory, and if someone is ready to write your story, that someone is only you. I have seen you grow up and I am proud of you. Never stop fighting. I send you a small gift that has accompanied me in the most difficult moments of my career. Use this racket as a symbol of your strength.”
The gift to which Nadal refers is a personalized tennis racket, which Nadal himself had used to win his last title at Roland Garros in 2024, when he had passed Novak Djokovic in a match that went down in history for his intensity and determination.
Sinner’s emotion: “Nobody has ever treated me like that”
Upon receipt of the gift and message,Jannik SinnerHe was unable to hold back the tears. In a press conference immediately following the defeat against Alcaraz, Sinner spoke with a trembling voice:
“I didn’t expect anything like that.RafaHe is a champion inside and off the pitch, and that message … that gift … nobody has ever treated me like this. It is an honor to receive his words and such a significant gift. This makes me understand how important it is not only to be strong on the pitch, but also outside. Rafa has experienced what I am experiencing now, and knowing that it is for me is incredible. “
Sinner added that Nadal’s gesture pushed him to reflect on his own path, causing a new spirit of determination in him.
“I don’t know if I won or lost in this final, but I know that I earned a lot from this meeting. Not only as a tennis player, but as a person. Rafa’s words are the fuel for my next challenge.”
Nadal’s gesture immediately aroused admiration reactions all over the world. The media of the whole planet reported the news, not only for the profound meaning behind the gift, but also for thespecial relationshipThat seems to be between the two tennis players, despite the rivalry on the field.
InSpain, ilMarkHe titled: “Nadal shows that the size is not measured only with the trophies”, while in Italy, theCorriere della SeraHe underlined how Nadal’s gesture represents a real “lesson of humanity” for young athletes.
Former champion Andrea Gaudenzi, president of the ATP, commented:
“This is the beauty of tennis. You can fight with every body fiber for a title, but respect for the opponent and solidarity are what makes a sportsman really great.”
Even Sinner’s fans, excited by his reaction, invaded social media, praising not only Nadal’s gesture but also thematuritywith which Sinner faced the defeat.
Rafa’s gesture had a significant impact also on the psychological level of Jannik Sinner. After the defeat against Alcaraz, many had questioned its ability to manage the pressure in large endings, but now with the support of Nadal, expectations have changed.
Sinner said theracket given to him by NadalIt will represent a symbol to bring to its future tournaments. The racket, in fact, is not only an object but a sign ofmental strength, of those who learned to get up after the difficulties.
Tennis, like every great sport, is not just a matter of winning and losing. Sometimes, what matters most are the human ties that are created, the gestures that go beyond the field and the words that are said when the silence of the field is over. Nadal’s message to Sinner not only filled the hearts of the fans, but also strengthened the belief thatThe size of a sample is also measured with its ability to be human.
And now, while Sinner prepares for the next challenges, there is one thing that is sure:This gesture will remain in his heart and his careerforever.
