World tennis is in shock after what happened during the male semifinal of Roland Garros between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner. At the 22nd of the match, with the score still in the balance and the palpable tensions on the Philippe-Charier camp, Djokovic would have pronounced a very heavy insult against the young South Tennist, calling him “bastard” to microphones (involuntarily) open.

But to leave the audience and the insiders open -mouthed was the immediate reaction of Sinner, who ice cream the stadium with a gesture and a coldness that will remain in the history of this sport.

According to what reported by multiple international broadcasters, the insult was captured by a microphone positioned near the Djokovic bench, which, visibly frustrated after losing the service for the second consecutive time, would have turned to his box with heavy words:

“I can’t believe that that bastard is playing like this …”

Even if the phrase was not intended for the public, the microphone clearly transmitted the words of the Serbian, and the reaction on social media was immediate: in a few minutes, #Djokovic and #Sinner sketched at the top of the global tendencies of X (ex Twitter), with thousands of users to express indignation, surprise and support for the Italian tennis player.

Jannik’s glacial response

But the most memorable moment was not the insult in itself, but Sinner’s reaction.

During the immediately following field gearbox, Sinner said nothing. He did not make blatant gestures or searched the clash. He limited himself to staring Djokovic for a second, then got up, returned to the field and served three consecutive ace, closing the game in less than a minute.

At the end of the game, while Djokovic walked towards the field bottom with a low look, Sinner approached the net, and without raising his voice, he told him:

“The strength is not in words, Novak is in the blows.”

The Parisian audience, known for its composure, exploded in spontaneous applause. Comments such as Mats Wilander and Flavia Pennetta have defined that moment “a classy masterpiece under pressure.”

The verdict of the organization

A few hours after the end of the meeting (won by Sinner in four sets: 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, 6-2), the French tennis federation (FFT) issued an official press release confirming that Djokovic would be fined of 50,000 euros for anti-sports behavior and for violation of the ethical code.

It is not the first time that Djokovic ends in the center of similar controversies. Already in 2020 he had been disqualified by the US Open for having involuntarily hit a line judge with a ball. However, many analysts believe that the Paris episode can have a much more serious impact on its sports bequest.

The reactions by the world of tennis did not wait.

Rafael Nadal, even without directly mentioning Djokovic, wrote on social media:

“Respect is the first point of every game. Always.”

Jasmine Paolini, semifinalist on the women’s scoreboard, published a photo with Sinner, with the caption:

“The real champions never lose their heads. And not even the heart.”

In Italy, the main sports newspapers dedicated the first pages to Sinner’s gesture.La Gazzetta dello SportHe titled: “Jannik the ice: champion response, not controversy.”

Djokovic breaks the silence (halfway)

Novak Djokovic avoided the post-match press conference, but has issued a short written statement:

“Tennis is passion and sometimes emotions take over. If my words have been perceived as offensive, I apologize for them. But my intention was not lacking in respect.”

A statement that has left many skeptics, in particular the Italian fans, who ask for more direct apology and the suspension from Wimbledon as a disciplinary measure.

For Sinner, this semifinal represents much more than a ride of the round. It was a consecration not only technical, but also moral. The 23 -year -old from San Candido has shown that he is ready not only to compete, but also to represent a new face for world tennis: determined, elegant and unwavering.

And now, with the final at the gates, one thing is certain: Jannik Sinner has not only won a game. He won respect for the world.