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Jannik Sinner Found Out He Was New World No. 1 After French Open Win In Cool Moment

Jun 2, 2024; Paris, France; Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts to a point during his match against Corentin Moutet of France on day eight of Roland Garros at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 2, 2024; Paris, France; Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts to a point during his match against Corentin Moutet of France on day eight of Roland Garros at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports | Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

Not only did Jannik Sinner advance to the first French Open semifinal of his career on Tuesday, but the Italian tennis star also made some history in the process.

The news that incumbent No. 1 Novak Djokovic was forced to withdraw from the French Open earlier Tuesday ensured that Sinner would secure the ATP Tour's top ranking, making him the first Italian man to achieve the feat.

Sinner didn't find out about this fact until after the match during his interview. When told, Sinner was noticeably moved as the Roland Garros crowd showered him with cheers and applause for about 30 seconds in an incredible moment.

Sinner acknowledged that it was his dream—and every other players'—to become world No. 1, before graciously wishing Djokovic a speedy recovery and thanking his team for their efforts.

Sinner, 22, has enjoyed a breakout year in 2024, as he defeated Djokovic, the reigning Australian Open champion, in the semifinals at Melbourne, then bested Danill Medvedev in a five-set thriller to win the title back in January, the first major of his career.

Sinner, who has won 28 matches and lost just two this season, has also won singles titles in Rotterdam and Miami.

Now, he'll look to claim the first French Open title of his career.

Sinner will await the winner of the quarterfinal match between Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tstitsipas.


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Tim Capurso
TIM CAPURSO

Tim Capurso is a staff writer for Sports Illustrated, primarily covering MLB, college football and college basketball. Before joining SI in November 2023, Capurso worked at RotoBaller and ClutchPoints and is a graduate of Assumption University. When he's not working, he can be found at the gym, reading a book or enjoying a good hike. A resident of New York, Capurso openly wonders if the Giants will ever be a winning football team again.