Sinner on his popularity in Italy: "I'm still surprised sometimes, it's unusual".
Victorious over Taylor Fritz on Tuesday evening (6-4, 6-4), Jannik Sinner was asked about his growing popularity in Italy during his post-match press conference. The Italian replied: "I'm just a 23-year-old man who plays tennis. Playing in Italy is very special.
I'm still surprised sometimes. It's unusual. I'm trying to get used to it. The public here is always incredible. They support you in good times and bad.
I hadn't played in Rome (this year) and it was tough. It's a warm welcome for all of us. It's different from other tournaments.
Italians love sport. This week it's tennis, but usually it's soccer." In his next match on Thursday, Sinner may well have to share the audience of sports fans with soccer, should he play in the evening.
The Italian national team will face Belgium at 8.45pm. It remains to be seen who will win the hearts of the Italian people.
