Jannik Sinner demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship during his second-round match against Jesper De Jong at the 2025 Italian Open on May 12, rushing to aid his opponent after a frightening fall on the clay court. The world No. 1, playing his second match since a three-month doping suspension, defeated the Dutch qualifier 6-4, 6-2, but his compassionate actions overshadowed the result, earning widespread praise.
In the fifth game of the second set, at 1-3, 40/15, De Jong, ranked No. 93, slipped while chasing a passing shot near the net, tumbling heavily and clutching his right wrist in pain. Sinner, who won the point due to the fall, immediately leapt over the net to check on De Jong, crouching beside him until medical staff arrived. The Italian carried De Jong’s clay-covered racket to the sideline, wiped the grip clean, and handed him a towel to clean up, gestures that moved the Campo Centrale crowd. De Jong, laughing off the incident, jokingly asked, “Do you have a new shirt as well?” as reported by The Irish Sun. After a medical timeout, De Jong resumed with a strapped wrist, showing no serious injury.
Sinner’s actions drew admiration on X, with @TheTennisLetter calling him “pure class” and @FS_Tennis1 noting how he “dusted the clay off” De Jong’s racket. Fans praised his empathy, with comments like, “This kind of kindness is not something you can fake,” per The Sun. The Express highlighted Sinner’s history of compassion, referencing similar acts at the 2024 Italian Open and Miami Open, where he ensured aid for distressed fans.
Post-match, Sinner focused on the match dynamics, telling the ATP, “I started well, then had a big drop. Fortunately, I broke him at 4-4, which gave me confidence.” His 22 winners and 71% second-serve return points, per Infosys ATP Stats, showed his form, extending his win streak to 23 matches. De Jong’s fall didn’t alter Sinner’s focus, but his gesture underscored his character. Facing Francisco Cerundolo next, Sinner’s sportsmanship continues to elevate his status as Italy’s tennis hero.
