“This country gives me a lot”: Jannik Sinner gets emotional after Turin victory amid Davis Cup backlash

Jannik Sinner began his ATP Finals title defence in Turin with a confident victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime, extending his dominance over the Canadian with a 7-5, 6-1 win. Though the match was influenced by his opponent’s physical issues, the Italian maintained composure and efficiency throughout. Speaking after the match, Sinner reflected on the bittersweet nature of the win, his pride in playing at home, and his connection with Italian fans.

Sinner acknowledged that the first set had been far from straightforward, crediting Auger-Aliassime for his sharp serving and intensity early on. The Italian admitted that the Canadian’s physical decline changed the match’s dynamic. “You don’t want to win in this way,” he said during his post-match interview with Tennis Channel. “But another way, you take it. We only wish him a speedy recovery. Hopefully he gets back 100 percent — we need him in this competition.”

Beyond the sporting aspect, Sinner also addressed the energy surrounding him in Turin — a factor that has become almost mythical among Italian tennis fans. With the home crowd roaring at every point, and even his commercials playing during other matches, the Italian admitted that the atmosphere has a special place in his heart. It’s more than support; it’s a national bond that fuels his motivation on court.

The four-time Grand Slam champion was met with loud ovations from the Italian crowd, just days after controversy over his decision not to participate in the Davis Cup Finals with Italy, saying he needed more rest ahead of the 2026 season. Sinner faced heavy criticism at home, including from legend Nicola Pietrangeli, who described his withdrawal as “a slap in the face.”

Sinner was quick to underline the privilege of representing Italy in front of a passionate home crowd. “This country gives me a lot, honestly,” he explained. “I’m representing Italy — it has always been a huge honour, and it’s nice to give something back.”

He also reflected on the emotional lift that comes with playing in front of packed stands, especially after the wave of criticism following his Davis Cup decision. “It’s a great place to play in front of a massive home crowd,” Sinner said. “Seeing the stadiums packed, it’s amazing.”

Despite his affection for the home stage, Sinner made it clear that his main focus remains on maintaining his strong results on the Tour, prioritising recovery this time to prepare for the challenges of 2026 — starting with his Australian Open title defence. “At the end of the day, I’m a tennis player and I want to do the best possible job,” he noted. “But at the same time, I also enjoy it.”

"It is great and I'm extremely happy to be here. I'm happy now that I showed some good tennis. If I can, you know, that's my main priority."

Sinner’s words after the match revealed a balance between ambition and perspective. As he continues his campaign in the Björn Borg Group — with a showdown against Alexander Zverev next — the Italian remains both aware of the stakes and mindful of the process. Defending 1,500 points and the title he won without dropping a set in 2024 is no small task.

The 24-year-old needs to win the title if he wants to finish the season as World No. 1 — and hope for an early exit from Carlos Alcaraz. After both players secured opening victories worth 200 points each, the Spaniard still leads the live rankings by 1,050 points.