Jannik Sinner, Panatta’s all-laughing response goes viral

Intervening during the Citofonare Rai 2 program, Adriano Panatta reflected on the extraordinary media attention surrounding Jannik Sinner and the importance of remembering that, behind the successes and records, there is a boy of just 24 years old.

With his usual irony, Panatta pointed out how much the Sinner phenomenon has now conquered Italian public opinion: “I now spend my life answering about Sinner. Suppose the broadcast ends, I go, I take the cab and at least 20-25 people say to me ‘Adriano, how is Sinner?’ But what do I know!” A joke that perfectly captures the popularity achieved by the South Tyrolean, who has become one of the most followed and beloved sportsmen in the country.

Panatta then reiterated all his admiration for the Italian champion, emphasizing both his sporting and personal qualities: “Jannik is an extraordinary guy and a great champion. He never misses a statement, he is polite on and off the court, and he is a great example.”

The former Roland Garros winner then dwelt on the episodes recently experienced by Sinner in Paris, interpreting them as an opportunity to show a more authentic and human side of the world number one. In fact, according to Panatta, it is precisely the difficulties and the less brilliant moments that help to restore a more real image of the athlete.

“What happened to him in Paris – and it can happen to anyone, I experienced it too – makes him more sympathetic and human. Otherwise he would have become the unbeatable man,” he explained. A reasoning that also connects to a definition often used to describe Sinner and that Panatta never shared: “They already called him a robot which is a horrible thing.”

For the former Roman tennis player, it is crucial to remember that even a champion of Sinner’s caliber can experience strong emotions, moments of anger and inevitable disappointments. Indeed, these very reactions help make him closer to people. “It’s logical that his zebedei turn around though, even if it seems like a paradox, in my opinion he made a good impression on us,” he remarked.

Also striking Panatta was a detail of the blue champion’s daily life, immortalized away from the tennis courts: “I saw the photo that he goes for a little ride on his vespino. Let’s not forget that he is a 24-year-old boy…”. A simple image that, according to the former champion, helps to remember how behind the world number one is first and foremost a young man living his age, with the spontaneity and emotions of any other boy.