Jannik Sinner in Ahoy, an impressive champion on and off the court

Jannik Sinner has not yet reached Federer’s caliber as a crowd favorite. That is also difficult when you are only 22, and have just won your first Grand Slam title. But the Italian youngster was reminiscent of the Swiss tennis hero last week at the ABN AMRO Open. Humble, extremely friendly, patient towards the fans, and yet on the court so incredibly fast, agile, and collected.

Even his opponent in the final on Sunday afternoon, Australian Alex de Minaur, three years his senior, was at a loss for more compliments after his 7-5 6-4 defeat in the final. Perhaps because it’s the seventh time he lost to Sinner, in seven matches. 'I played well, I missed a few chances, but as I see it now, I played against someone who might not lose at all this year. And my defeat couldn't have been against a nicer guy anyway. Besides being the best tennis player of the moment, Jannik is also an incredibly nice guy,’ said 'Demon', who is also a very nice guy himself.

Tournament director Richard Krajicek was impressed by both men. 'The level of these finalists was so good, I'm really happy that I played in the nineties. Jannik and Alex, the future of tennis is in good hands with you,’ said the 1996 Dutch Wimbledon champion at the spectacular award ceremony in Rotterdam Ahoy. And then of course concentrate on the tournament winner: 'Jannik, I can still remember coming here, four years ago, when you received a wildcard here as a promising neo-pro. The way you still interact with the young fans, even now, with all that success, you are still such a humble, nice guy.’

The slender young man from Northern Italy, who gained a place after his second tournament victory of the year, and is now third in the world rankings, remained modest despite all the praise. Sinner took a selfie with anyone who wanted it and put a doodle on any tennis ball or tennis shirt. 'I enjoy playing here so much, the crowd in Rotterdam is so fair play, even when you play against a Dutch tennis player. I am really loyal to the organizers. If I'm healthy this time next year, I'll be back.”

This was typical of his dedication as a tennis player. The fact that Sinner even took part in the ABN AMRO Open, so soon after the Australian Open that he won so masterfully is a testament to his loyalty. Many predecessors as champions in Melbourne longed for a holiday after two energy-consuming weeks in the Australian heat and took a break, but not Sinner. He hasn't even seen his parents in the last three weeks. That will only happen later today. 'That is, if I catch my plane tonight,’ said the Italian, who lives in Monte Carlo, and after the final took time for fans and media. 'I'm going to my hometown for a few days to see my parents and, especially my grandparents again. Then I will resume training for the tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.’