The real victories are not always measured with a trophy in the hands. Jannik Sinner showed him once again, that, after one of the most exciting endings in the history of Roland Garros, he left the world of tennis and beyond speechless.
Not for a winning shot or a controversial interview, but for a gesture of profound generosity: he donated his entire finalist prize of the tournament, equal to 1.275 million euros (about 1.45 million dollars), to a charity cause.
> “It is a pity not to have won the title to give even more,” Sinner said with tearful eyes, for the emotional applause of the French crowd.
An epic ending, an enormous heart
The final of Roland Garros 2025 between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz was described by the media as “an epic battle”, which lasts more than five hours, with breathtaking gatherings and continuous reversals. In the end, it was the Spanish talent that raised the trophy, but it was the sinner who won the hearts of the whole world.
During the award ceremony, visibly tired and disappointed, Jannik surprised everyone: he publicly announced that his entire cash prize would be donated to a humanitarian project that he personally followed for months.
> “We are here to compete, it’s true. But we are also here to leave something behind. I had everything in life thanks to tennis, and now I want to return.”
The project: schools and sports for vulnerable children
The funds will support the International Organization Foundation Children Serve, which works in various disadvantaged areas of the world to build schools, sports centers and guarantee access to education and sport for children in difficulty.
In particular, Jannik wanted the funds to go to a specific program in Ethiopia and a region of Southern Italy which recently saw school abandonment and childish poverty.
> “I know how to have a support family. But many children don’t even have a field to dream. If I can do something to change only one of those lives, I will do it.”
The reaction of fans and the world of sport
On social media, the announcement went around the world. In less than an hour, the hashtag #traziejannik has become a trendy topic in Italy, France and in many other countries. Celebrities, athletes and public characters have expressed their admiration.
Carlos Alcaraz, his rival in the field, wrote on X (previously Twitter):
> “A true champion is recognized not only by his blows but by his heart. Great respect for you, Jannik. Tennis needs people like you.”
Novak Djokovic also commented during an interview on Serbian TV:
> “Jannik is young but already has the soul of a mature champion. This gesture reminds me why I love this sport.”
The moving words of the mother
In an exclusive interview given to Rai, said the mother of Jannik, Mrs. Siglinde, behind the scenes of the gesture:
> “Jannik has always had a strong sense of justice. As a child, he would bring his toys to kindergarten children they didn’t have. When he lost the final, he said to me:” I didn’t win the trophy, but I can win something bigger “.
The Sinner family, who has always been far from the spotlight, proudly supported the choice of the son. Father Johann, reached by phone in San Candido, added:
> “For us he is a wonderful son, and today he has also shown that he is a man with deep values.”
Press conference between tears and applause
During the post-match press conference, journalists preferred to talk about the charity gesture rather than the defeat. At a particularly touching moment, a French journalist asked:
> “Jannik, what made you want to give up such a great sum of money?”
The sinner replied without hesitation:
> “There are children who have no water, food, a book or a racket. I am lucky enough to be able to live my passion every day. It is the minimum I could do.”
The usually formal and detached press room broke into a long series of applause.
Support from companies and sponsors
Following Sinner’s announcement, some of his main sponsors have also decided to join the cause. Gucci, Nike, Technogym and Lavazza have already declared that they will double the amount donated by the tennis player, bringing the total of the fund to over 5 million euros.
An official declaration by Gucci reads:
> “Being an ambassador of the brand does not just mean wearing a logo, but embodying his values. Jannik Sinner is an example of authentic talent, inside and off the field.”
The president of Fitp (Italian Tennis Federation and Padel), Angelo Binaghi, has also announced that the entire federation will follow the gesture of Jannik, assigning funds for the new youth sports centers in Southern Italy.
A future beyond the titles
With this gesture, the sinner not only rewritten the narration of a sporting defeat, but also opened a new path for ethics in the world of tennis. In an era where athletes’ earnings reach dizzying figures, the choice to give up such a substantial prize has a huge symbolic value.
Many experts are already talking about the “sinner effect” and hypothesize that other athletes could follow his example in the future. It is not the first time that Italian sport gives great lessons of humanity, but rarely has such a strong gesture from such a young champion.
The return home and the special visit
Sinner returned to San Candido today to embrace his family and take a few days free. According to sources close to his staff, before anything else, he wanted to visit a center for refugee children who supported South Tyrol for some time. He brought the smaller rackets, tennis shoes, personalized suits and … a message:
> “You can also be champions. Believe in your dreams, as I did.”
One of the volunteers in the center said:
