Shocked after the final of the China Open 2025: Jannik Sinner turns humiliation into a victory that moves the world

The 2025 China Open will not only be remembered for the quality of tennis, but for one of the most dramatic and touching moments in Jannik Sinner’s career. During the final against the American Learner Tien, the South Tyrolean champion had to face a situation that could have psychologically destroyed any athlete: a part of the Chinese public, exasperated by the intensity of the match, began to insult him heavily, even throwing bottles of water at him and shouting the word “drug addict” at him.

At that moment, the atmosphere in the stadium became electric, almost unbearable. The humiliation, stress and pressure were evident. Many feared that Sinner could lose clarity and concentration, succumbing to a hostile climate that would have broken his bid for the title. But the opposite happened.

Instead of collapsing, Sinner found new strength within himself. He transformed hatred into energy, screams into motivation. After the match, with tears in his eyes, he said:“I thought about my country, about those who always support me, and above all about my mother who was there, behind the scenes, watching me in silence. This thought gave me the strength to never give up.”

Those words resonated like a manifesto of resilience. On the pitch, Sinner gritted his teeth, fought until the last exchange against a determined opponent like Learner Tien, managing in the end to achieve a victory that goes beyond the score and the numbers. It was a moral victory, a triumph of the soul.

The images of the young champion smiling through tears, with his face marked by fatigue and emotion, went around the world. It was not just the joy of a title, but the tangible representation of his inner strength, of the ability to transform suffering into courage.

The fans, not only Italian but from every part of the globe, have flooded social media with messages of affection and admiration. “This is the spirit of real sport,” wrote a user on X (formerly Twitter). “Sinner taught us that it doesn’t matter how many times you get hurt, what matters is how you get back up.”

Even the experts expressed their respect. Commentators and former champions have underlined how Jannik has demonstrated, once again, that he is not only an extraordinary talent, but also a man with profound values, capable of facing difficulties with dignity and pride.

The episode sparked an international debate on public conduct at sporting events and the need to protect athletes from toxic behaviour. However, what will remain imprinted in the collective memory is the image of Sinner who, instead of bending, was able to stand up stronger than before.

With this victory, Jannik Sinner not only added another trophy to his career. It has conquered a special place in the hearts of millions of fans, becoming a symbol of courage and determination. And his message, simple but powerful, will continue to resonate:never give up, even when all seems lost.