Nobody expected that Jannik Sinner, number one in Italian tennis and world star, would interrup his pre-wimbledon press conference with a confession full of emotion. Still, he did it. And his words have shaken the entire world of sport.
With shiny eyes and broken voice, Sinner revealed a personal and deeply touching detail concerning the Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota, recently disappeared in a tragic road 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 it. Twelve minutes before the accident, Jota called me. I never told anyone so far.”
The journalists present fell by instantly. Some exchanged incredulous looks. Nobody could imagine that such a personal bond existed between the South Tennist and the Portuguese footballer.
Sinner explained that Jota had contacted him several times in the past via social media to express admiration for his tennis. But the day of the accident, something was different.
“I was on the bus to the training field here in Wimbledon, it was about 15:00. My phone rang and it was him. Diogo. I thought it was a message, instead it was a real call. We spoke little, but he said three words that entered my heart. He told me:
‘Believe in you.’
Then he laughed and added: ‘Good luck, brother.’
Jannik stopped for a few seconds. His breathing was heavy, and the room was charged with emotion. An unreal silence.
“I never thought that this was the last time I would hear his voice. Twelve minutes later I learned about the accident. And I can’t take away those words from my head.”
Few knew that between Sinner and Jota there was a form of friendship, even if at a distance. Both young, determined and lovers of their sport, had written themselves occasionally, sharing reflections on pressure, expectations and dreams.
“We understood ourselves, although coming from different worlds. He was football, I tennis. But he bound something that went further.”
After the conference, Sinner’s agent confirmed that the two had exchanged messages for months. The call of that day, however, had been the first real vocal conversation between the two.
And probably also the last one.
During the interview, Jannik also wanted to send a direct message to the Portuguese footballer family:
“I know we don’t know each other, but for me Diogo was special. A person who knew how to find the right words. Also at that moment, unconsciously, he left me a teaching that I will bring with me to every match.
To the wife, to the children, to the parents – I send you my deepest hug. Italy is with you. “
Sinner has announced that, as a sign of respect, he will play his next match with a black bracelet and the initial “DJ” written on the cuff, a gesture that has moved fans around the world.
Social media in tears: “It’s not a simple story”
As soon as the interview went online, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok exploded. The hashtag #Credainte began to climb between global trends. Tennis, football and simple spectators fans commented in tears.
“It’s not just a story. It’s a life lesson.”
“Sinner paid tribute to Jota in a unique, human way, true.”
“I will never forget those three words. I will make them mine.”
In the world of tennis, Wimbledon is synonymous with elegance, history and competition. But this year, thanks to a young tennis player with a big heart, it will also become a symbol of memory, respect and friendship beyond sport.
And while Jannik Sinner prepares to enter the field again, millions of people will bring with them a simple but powerful message, born from a tragic coincidence and transformed into promise:
Believe in you.
Because sometimes, even a short call can change everything.
