JANNIK SINNER stepped in to help a fan as his ATP Finals opener was suspended for a medical emergency.
The world No1 began the year-end tournament in his homeland Italy with a 6-3 6-4 win over Australia’s Alex De Minaur on Sunday.
However, midway through the second set, play was suddenly halted as De Minaur attempted to survive three break points on his serve.
The players and umpire were alerted to a spectator being taken ill.
And Sinner, 23, sprung into action to offer support.
The Italian immediately asked for a bottle of water and then handed it over to the front row of tennis fans so it could be passed back.
The classy gesture promoted a warm round of applause from his adoring supporters.
Commentator Lee Goodall said: “I think we have a medical situation in the crowd so understandably both players just taking a moment to make sure that the necessary personnel arrive quickly and deal with the situation as swiftly as possible.
“Always worrying moments, these, in big stadiums.
“That’s a nice touch from the umpire and Sinner quick to lend a helping hand.”
Sinner and chair umpire Renaud Lichtenstein were then picked up by the courtside microphones discussing the conditions inside the Palasport Olimpico arena – before De Minaur also joined the conversation.
Lichtenstein said: “I don’t know, I didn’t see. I saw the people moving. It’s warm for them as well.”
Sinner replied: “I feel like the air here is sticky.”
The world No1 took a seat while the fan was treated while De Minaur paced around the court.
And play was able to resume after a four-minute delay as the medics left the stands to further applause.
De Minaur saved all three break points to get from 0-40 to deuce but was then broken and Sinner went on to clinch victory.
The Italian is hoping to cap off an extraordinary year by being crowned ATP Finals champion.
He won his maiden Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January, became world No1 for the first time in June and secured the US Open in September.
French Open and Wimbledon king Carlos Alcaraz, in the other group, started with a shock defeat to Casper Ruud in Turin.
The Spaniard had been fighting a cold but lost the opening set in just 36 minutes and then dropped five games in a row in the second as Ruud sealed a 6-1 7-5 victory.
Tennis stars’ new careers
PLENTY of tennis stars have stayed involved in the sport since retiring.
But others pursued very different careers. Here are some of the best…
Read the full article here
