“He’s a good-looking No. 1 in the world, wins a lot of tournaments” : Daniil Medvedev gives his opinion regarding Jannik Sinner’s popularity in Italy
Despite the doping case, Jannik Sinner has had some year for himself, winning both hard-court Grand Slam titles all while cementing himself as the world no.1, that too by a distance. The Italian alongside Carlos Alcaraz have now replaced the ‘Big 3’, as many fans expect the duo to dominate titles and charts for a long time coming.
Jannik Sinner eliminated Daniil Medvedev in the round robin of the ongoing ATP Finals 6-3, 6-4, which takes him comfortably onto the next round. The Russian meanwhile has had a tough tournament, as he recently disclosed about his mental struggles after breaching the code of conduct multiple times during his match at the round robin previously against Taylor Fritz.
But, when asked about Sinner, the world no.4 had nothing but immense praise to reflect about the Italian, such is the standard the 23-year-old has created about himself in such a short span of time.
Daniil Medvedev believes that Jannik Sinner’s attractiveness plays a role in him being so popular
During the post-match press conference, the Russian was asked about Sinner’s popularity in Italy, to which he replied that everything he has earned up until now is rightfully deserved, from ludicrous contracts to big-name advertisements, while also adding the fact that him being a ‘good-looking’ no.1 also helps.
“No, I think it’s great. But I would wonder if he would live in Italy how it would be because he doesn’t. It’s a little bit easier. Yeah, I mean, I think he deserves it. Like everything: the contracts, advertisements, whatever. He’s a good-looking No. 1 in the world, wins a lot of tournaments. Very young, which is always attractive,” Medvedev said.
“He’s 23. He has maybe 13, 14 years ahead of him where he can play, play, win, win. So, it’s normal. I think he feels fine with it. So why should I be sorry for him?” the 28-year-old added.
Coming in as the hot favourite to win the match, Jannik Sinner now holds an 8-7 lead against Medvedev, who has been on the losing side against the Italian five times out of the last six, which goes to show how much the two-time Grand Slam champion has drastically improved since last year.
Although not ‘worldwide famous’ like the Big 3 just yet, the Italian’s incredible consistency has brought him to the mountain top shared with the Spainard, and it will not be long enough until both are the bonafide faces of professional tennis for years to come.
The world no.1 now moves up to the semi-finals of the ATP Finals, with his opponent going to be the runner-up of the John Newcombe Group.
