A sensational news is traveling around the world and inflames the web: according to sources close to the British royal house, Princess Kate Middleton would have offered a dizzying sum of 50 million dollars to convince the family of Jannik Sinner to move to the United Kingdom and work closely with the Royal Family. But it is the response of the blue champion that makes news more than the offer itself.
Jannik Sinner, a fresh protagonist in Wimbledon and considered one of the greatest talents of world tennis, responded with words that have conquered millions of hearts:
“I appreciate a lot, but use that money to do something useful for your country.”
An elegant refusal, but full of meaning, which has surprised many international observers. While the world of sport remained speechless for the incredible proposal, Sinner’s reaction raised the bar of dignity and patriotism, confirming it not only as an athlete of value, but also as a man of principles.
The interest of the Royal House for the Sinner family would seem to be linked to the clear image, humble and deeply linked to the South Tyrolean origins of the young tennis player. In an era in which many public figures are overwhelmed by scandals and gossip, Jannik represents the new generation of samples: reserved, authentic, far from the superfluous spotlight.
Kate Middleton, always attentive to real communication and the image of the Windsor, would have seen in Jannik and in his family a positive and reassuring symbol, perfect for bringing the monarchy closer to the new generations.
The refusal, however, did not arrive in a polemical tone. On the contrary, Sinner has chosen measured and respectable words, once again demonstrating his extraordinary balance. The invitation to “use that money to do something useful for your country” was read by many as a message of great wisdom: a warning to powerful to invest in health, education and sustainability, rather than on image operations.
On Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok the hashtag #Sinner has reached millions of views in a few hours. Fans praise his integrity: “A real example for young people”, writes a user. “He said in a sentence what many leaders cannot do in years,” he comments on another.
In a world that often enhances money and celebrity, Jannik Sinner reminds us of all of us who are there are no price. His gesture will remain in the Annals not only of sport, but also of European popular culture.
And while Kate Middleton will perhaps have to look for new faces elsewhere to modernize the monarchy, Italy can be proud to have such a champion: winning, yes, but above all human.
