“I am an Italian, a true Italian,” sang Toto Cutugno. But here, Toto has become Jannik, and Cutugno has transformed into Sinner. There’s no singing here, only tennis played with a sublime melody of strokes. His hair is Scottish red, his roots in South Tyrol from a German-speaking family, his residence in Monte Carlo—meaning not a single euro in taxes lands in Italy’s coffers.
Yet, Sinner is still a true Italian, winning the prestigious US Open in New York in front of a crowd cheering for their local hero, Taylor Fritz. However, they respected Sinner and recognized his superior class. That class? Immense. Power, patience, composure, creativity. He’s a complete champion, leading a new generation of talents that are once again making Italian tennis great after so many years, when Adriano Panatta seemed like a beautiful but distant memory from the 20th century.
But here, on a platform aiming to portray modern Italy across the Atlantic, Sinner’s role extends beyond sports. He embodies the true Italian of today—unexpected, not just a symbol of brilliance and chaos, but of calmness, teamwork, preparation, and values. His first words to the global microphones were dedicated to his sick aunt, perhaps nearing the end of her time. “Time is precious, it has a certain quality, and that’s why I make this dedication,” he said.
Such wisdom and depth at just 23 years old. We, disillusioned with football and the lack of heroes, see ourselves in him—an extraordinary yet down-to-earth example of the bright side of our national identity.
