PARIS – Roland Garros 2025 is not only the stage for epic racket battles, but also for real and unexpected emotions. The protagonists of a touching and unforgettable moment were Gael Monfils , an icon of French tennis, and Jannik Sinner , the young Italian prodigy who is conquering the world.
During an interview after one of his matches, Monfils surprised everyone with a statement full of respect and affection towards Sinner:
“He deserves to be loved. Let’s support him. Even if he is not French, his heart is pure. And today tennis needs guys like him.”
These words, spoken right in the heart of Paris, had a disruptive effect. The Roland Garros crowd, historically very nationalist and not always gentle with the opponents of home athletes, reacted with a standing ovation to Monfils’s gesture of sportsmanship. But the most touching reaction came from Sinner himself.
During the warm-up for his next match, the young South Tyrolean received warm applause and shouts of encouragement from the French crowd. Visibly moved, Sinner was moved to tears , thanking them with a simple but eloquent wave of his hand towards the stands.
At a time when world tennis is often polarized between fierce fan bases and heated rivalries, Monfils’ message has represented a bridge between cultures and nations . It is no longer just a question of flags, but of recognizing the human and sporting value of athletes.
The empathy shown by Monfils has generated a real wave on social media. The hashtag #SupportSinner immediately went viral in France and Italy, gathering messages of affection and encouragement from thousands of fans. Some users wrote:
“Monfils said what many of us were thinking: Sinner is an example. Bravo Gael!”
With old legends like Nadal and Djokovic now nearing the end of their careers, world tennis is looking for new icons. Jannik Sinner, with his crystalline talent, his humility and now also with the unexpected support of a foreign audience , is increasingly becoming a clean and authentic face of this new generation.
Monfils, with a single gesture, changed the narrative of an entire tournament. And perhaps, without realizing it, he left a legacy even more precious than his career: a lesson in respect, humanity and true sportsmanship.
