'This country gives me a lot': Jannik Sinner speaks from heart after emotional win in Turin [Watch Video]

Jannik Sinner’s victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime marked his 27th consecutive indoor hardcourt win.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner kicked off his ATP Finals 2025 title defence in emphatic fashion, defeating Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime 7–5, 6–1 in his opening round-robin match.

But beyond the straight-sets victory, it was Sinner’s heartfelt words about his homeland that resonated deeply with fans in Turin and across Italy.

The 24-year-old, who continues to be the pride of a tennis-obsessed nation, used his on-court interview to express his gratitude and affection for his country.

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“This country gives me a lot, honestly,” Sinner said, visibly moved as chants of “Ole, ole, ole — Sin-ner, Sin-ner!” was going loud through the packed Pala Alpitour arena.

“I’m representing Italy, it has always been a huge honour, and it’s nice to give something back.”

The moment felt even more meaningful because it came just days after Sinner faced criticism for pulling out of Italy’s Davis Cup Finals squad, a choice he said was needed to rest and prepare for the 2026 season.

The opening set of the match was evenly matched, as both players held firm until Sinner broke at 6–5 to claim it. Late in that set, though, Auger-Aliassime appeared to tweak his left calf and required medical attention.

The injury visibly hampered his movement, and by the second set, the Canadian could only manage a single game as Sinner pulled away with ruthless efficiency.

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Sinner’s serve was almost flawless, he didn’t face a single break point and won 89% of his first-serve points. Despite the dominant scoreline, the Italian kept empathy for his injured opponent.

“You don’t want to win in this way,” Sinner said after the match. “But in another way, you take it. We only wish him a speedy recovery. Hopefully he’s back to 100 percent soon, because we need him in this competition.”

Just a week before his emotional Turin win, Sinner regained the ATP World No. 1 ranking after claiming the Paris Masters title on November 3. The win propelled him back to the top ahead of Carlos Alcaraz, marking the second time he has reached the pinnacle of men’s tennis.

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