A movie-like welcome: Sinner lands in Riyadh and finds an unimaginable surprise
Riyadh, 15 October 2025 — The atmosphere at King Khalid International Airport was surreal.
Dozens of journalists, cameras from all over the world and Italian and Arab fans awaited the arrival of the private jet with the “JS12” logo.
When Jannik Sinner appeared on the lineup, dressed in a simple white shirt and a shy smile, no one could have predicted what was about to happen.
Among those present was the president of Saudi Aramco, the most powerful energy giant on the planet, accompanied by a delegation of honour.
His presence had not been announced — a total surprise, orchestrated with the discretion typical of Saudi power.
“I’ve been a fan of his for years” — a statement that stunned everyone
As soon as Jannik put his feet on the ground, the tycoon approached him and shook his hand with visible emotion.
In front of the microphones, he uttered words that went around the world in just a few minutes:
“I have been a fan of his for years. I have followed Jannik in every tournament, from his first victory in Sofia to Wimbledon.
Today it is an honor for me to receive him as a king, not just as an athlete.”
His words sparked spontaneous applause among those present, while Sinner, with his usual humility, thanked in English:
“It’s a great honor. I didn’t expect this. Thank you for your kindness.”
An unprecedented gesture: Aramco will cover all the expenses of the Sinner team
Moments later, the president made a sensational announcement in front of journalists around the world:
“Our country admires talent, discipline and class. This is why we have decided to cover all the costs of the Sinner team during the Six Kings Slam 2025: flights, hotels, logistics and private security. Jannik represents the spirit of excellence that our Kingdom wants to celebrate.”
A decision that immediately sparked media debate: a gesture of sincere hospitality or a global marketing strategy?
The leaked figures speak of a total value of more than $2.5 million, all paid by Aramco.
The Sinner team, visibly surprised, limited themselves to confirming that “the welcome was impeccable and beyond all expectations”.
The moment that left everyone speechless
But the scene that blew up social media came soon after.
When it seemed that the meeting was over, the Saudi tycoon took out a green velvet box and personally delivered it to Sinner.
The tennis player, between embarrassment and curiosity, opened it in front of the cameras.
Inside, a transparent glass cube containing a small ball of red clay from Monte Carlo, where Jannik had won one of the most symbolic tournaments of his career.
On the base of the cube, a plaque engraved in Arabic and Italian:
“For those who transform discipline into art.”
The audience, journalists and even some members of the Sinner team were silent for several seconds.
Then, thunderous applause filled the VIP lounge at the airport.
Sinner, excited, looked up at the president and said only:
“I will never forget this gesture.”
The Six Kings Slam 2025: power, spectacle and rivalry
IlSix Kings Slam 2025it is the most exclusive exhibition tournament in the world, part of the “Riyadh Season” program, which brings together sport, music and entertainment under the sign of luxury.
Protagonist: Decaraz, Alcaraz, Zverev, Fritz, Synrien and Sinner.
A pharaonic prize pool and a dream setting, but this time the focus is entirely on the Italian.
Jannik arrives as the reigning champion, following his epic win against Alcaraz in 2024.
And with such a royal welcome, the pressure — and expectations — are through the roof.
The Saudi media already headline:
“Sinner, the king of the desert.”
While Italian fans on social media write:
“From the snow of San Candido to the sun of Riyadh: the journey of a champion who never forgets who he is.”
A symbol beyond sport
In addition to the media hype, the meeting between Sinner and the president of Aramco represents something deeper: respect for the values of sport in a world dominated by business.
The phrase engraved on the glass cube has already gone viral, cited by newspapers and commentators as a metaphor for the new generation of athletes: disciplined, humble and aware of their global role.
Sinner not only won over audiences with his hits, but also with his authenticity.
And in an era where sport and politics are often intertwined, his calm, kind and consistent demeanor makes him a natural ambassador for world tennis.
