Sinner, who is currently in Saudi Arabia, was unable to attend the ceremony, but sent a message that touched the hearts of doctors, families and children: “I wasn’t there, but my heart is with you. This is not my victory, it’s yours.”
A video of his message, shown during the event, was greeted with applause and tears: a moment that the whole of Italy called “Janinik Sinner’s greatest match.”**
A tribute that goes beyond sport
The whole of Italy stopped for a moment of pure emotion.
The Pediatric Polyclinic of Milan, one of the most prestigious hospital centers in the country, has officially named the new Children’s Emergency and Oncology Research Department after Jannik Sinner, as a sign of gratitude for his record donation of 200 million euros.
A gesture which, as the health director said,“turns victory into service and glory into hope.”
During the ceremony, among doctors, nurses, parents and young patients, there were no trophies or rackets, but smiles, tears and a word that echoed in every corner of the room: gratitude.
Jannik’s message: simple, sincere, profound
Unable to return to Italy because he was busy in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Six Kings Slam tournament, Sinner wanted to participate virtually.
His video message, broadcast on a large screen during the inauguration, moved everyone present.
In a calm and visibly moved tone, he said:
“I wasn’t there, but my heart goes out to you.
This is not my victory, it’s yours.
Every child who fights, every doctor who doesn’t give up — you are the true champions.”
His words were greeted with long applause, followed by a few tears and many smiles.
Many parents present described the moment as “a caress for the soul.”
A life-changing project
The Jannik Sinner Department will be a center of excellence dedicated not only to treatment, but also to advanced research on childhood cancer.
The initiative includes:
- Pediatric genetics and immunotherapy laboratories.
- Therapeutic play areas for children undergoing treatment.
- Psychological support programs for families and medical personnel.
- A “Garden of Courage”, a green space accessible to all young patients.
“This facility represents a new frontier in pediatric medicine,”
explained Dr. Francesca Rinaldi, head of the department.
“But its real driving force is the heart of those who made all this possible.”
From San Candido to the world: the most beautiful victory
For those who know Sinner’s history, this gesture is not surprising.
Born and raised in the mountains of Alto Adige, Jannik has always remained tied to the values of simplicity, family and work.
He has often said that his career would be meaningless if it didn’t serve to inspire and give back.
“I’ve had a lot in life,” he said in an interview last year.
“But the greatest happiness is knowing that you can make someone who is suffering smile.”
And so, the reserved boy who prefers to talk with his rackets has written a page of solidarity destined to last longer than any victory on the court.
A country moved
The reactions were not long in coming.
From the President of the Republic to the world of sport, everyone wanted to thank the champion.
President Sergio Mattarella sent a personal letter:
“Jannik Sinner represents the best Italy: the one that combines excellence and humanity.”
Matteo Berrettini, friend and colleague, published on Instagram:
“Proud of you, brother.
Now that’s a number one win.”
Even Novak Djokovic, from Riyadh, commented during a press conference:
“It doesn’t matter who wins the tournaments… when you do something that big, you’ve already won the game of your life.”
The video that went around the world
The short film with Sinner’s message went viral in a few hours.
Taken fromSky TG24, RAI Sportsand dozens of international newspapers, it has reached over 80 million views across YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
The images show Jannik’s face in a sober environment, without sponsors or logos, just soft light and a white background.
At the end of the message, a simple sentence appears on the screen:
“Every point won on the pitch is worth a smile off the pitch.”
The phrase, which has now become the motto of the project, was printed on the walls of the new department.
Italy calls him “the champion of the soul”
On social media, the hashtag #SinnerDelCuore has invaded the message boards.
Fans, journalists and public figures shared the tennis player’s gesture with messages of affection and admiration.
Corriere della Serahe defined it“the face of modern generosity.”
The Republicwrote:“On the day Sinner didn’t pick up the racket, he touched millions of hearts.”
A promise that goes beyond tennis
At the end of his message, Sinner added a few words that will remain memorable:
“I promise this is not an isolated act.
As long as I can, I will continue to fight off the field — for those who can’t do it alone.”
A silence, then applause.
A child, raising his hand, said:
“Jannik won for us.”
And maybe he was right.
Because sometimes, true champions don’t raise trophies: they raise hopes.
