Jannik Sinner shows true colours with response to opponent Jesper De Jong’s nasty fall
JANNIK SINNER showed his true colours with his response to Jesper De Jong’s nasty fall at the Italian Open.
The world No.1 was facing the Dutch star in the round of 32 when he hit the clay.
De Jong, 24, hurt himself as he tried reaching for a shot from Sinner close to the net.
He could be seen clutching his wrist and rolling around in pain on the clay.
De Jong’s clothes were covered in the clay as he received help.
But the first on the scene to help the star was opponent Sinner, who had leapt over the net.
The Italian crouched next to him to ask if he was okay and carried his racket off the court as De Jong walked off.
Sinner, 23, even made sure to wipe off the clay from the racket’s grip.
He also gave a towel to De Jong so he could clean himself up on the sidelines.
De Jong was able to see the funny side as he asked Sinner: “Do you have a new shirt as well?”
Fans hailed Sinner’s sportsmanship as they reacted to the moment on social media.
One posted: “Sinner is total genuine class, feel sorry for Jesper.”
A second wrote: “Sportsmanship at its best.”
A third commented: “He’s a class act, always has been.”
A fourth said: “Sinner is a total class act. Love how he cleaned Jesper’s racquet for him.”
Another added: “This kind of kindness is not something you can fake.”
Sinner finished the match as the winner after two sets 6-4 and 6-2.
De Jong was able to continue following a medical timeout with his wrist heavily strapped.
He will now take on 17th seed Francisco Cerundolo in the round of 16.
Sinner was beaten by Cerundolo at the same stage of the Italian Open back in 2023.
Sinner said: “He’s an amazing player, he has an amazing season until now.
“It’s going to be tough. For sure I have to raise my level.
“It’s going to be a good challenge, a good test for me and we’ll see how it goes.”