No one expected Jannik Sinner , the Italian tennis number one and world star, to interrupt his pre-Wimbledon press conference with an emotional confession . Yet, he did. And his words shook the entire sports world.

With tears in his eyes and a cracking voice, Sinner revealed a personal and deeply touching detail regarding Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota , who recently passed away in a tragic car accident that left his family, fans and the entire football community in mourning.

“I don’t know where to start,” Sinner said. “But I feel the need to tell you this. Twelve minutes before the accident, Jota called me. I’ve never told anyone before.”

The journalists present fell silent instantly. Some exchanged incredulous glances. No one could have imagined such a personal bond existed between the South Tyrolean tennis player and the Portuguese footballer .

Sinner explained that Jota had contacted him several times in the past via social media to express his admiration for his tennis. But on the day of the accident, something was different.

“I was on the bus to the practice court here at Wimbledon, it was around 3:00 PM. My phone rang and it was him. Diogo. I thought it was a text, but it was a real call. We didn’t speak much, but he said three words that touched my heart. He said,
‘Believe in yourself.’
Then he laughed and added, ‘Good luck, brother.’”

Jannik paused for a few seconds. His breathing was heavy, and the room was filled with emotion. An eerie silence.

“I never thought that would be the last time I’d hear his voice. Twelve minutes later, I learned of the accident. And I can’t get those words out of my head.”

Few knew that Sinner and Jota had a friendship, albeit a long-distance one. Both young, determined, and passionate about their sport, they had written to each other occasionally, sharing reflections on pressure, expectations, and dreams.

We understood each other, even though we came from different worlds. He was into football, I was into tennis. But there was something more that connected us.

After the conference, Sinner’s agent confirmed that the two had been texting for months. That day’s call, however, was the first real voice conversation between the two.

And probably the last one too.

During the interview, Jannik also wanted to send a direct message to the Portuguese footballer’s family:

I know we don’t know each other, but Diogo was special to me. A man who knew how to find the right words. Even in that moment, unknowingly, he left me a lesson that I will carry with me into every match.
To his wife, his children, his parents—I send you my deepest embrace. Italy is with you.

Sinner announced that, as a sign of respect, he will play his next match wearing a black wristband with the initials “DJ” written on the cuff, a gesture that moved fans around the world.

Social media in tears: “It’s not just a simple story.”

As soon as the interview went online, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok exploded. The hashtag #BelieveInYou began trending globally. Tennis fans, soccer fans, and ordinary spectators alike commented in tears.

“It’s not just a story. It’s a life lesson.”
“Sinner paid homage to Jota in a unique, human, and true way.”
“I will never forget those three words. I will make them my own.”

In the world of tennis, Wimbledon is synonymous with elegance, history, and competition. But this year, thanks to a young player with a big heart, it will also become a symbol of memory, respect, and friendship beyond sport.

And as Jannik Sinner prepares to enter the field again, millions of people will carry with them a simple but powerful message, born from a tragic coincidence and transformed into a promise:

Believe in yourself.

Because sometimes, even a quick call can change everything.