The June 10, 2024 it will be a historic date for Italian tennis: with the update of the ATP ranking, Jannik Sinner will officially become number one in the world. But on June 4th fate gave us the mathematics of this dream while Jannik was in the fielda few minutes away from winning the semi-final of Roland Garros. The withdrawal of Djokovicwho succumbed to the fatigue of the two matches that ended in the fifth set, does not overshadow an objective that, for months, seemed inevitable and we savored it even before it became reality today. Is the expectation of pleasure itself pleasure? Maybe but reaching the top of the rankings, while being in top, or almost, condition, is confirmation, it is trust, it is strength that will multiply in view, who knows, of the first final in Paris.
When the news whispered from the Philippe Chatrier stands reached Sinner’s ears, our champion was broken by Dimitrov. One step away from closing the match he hesitated, almost struck by so much responsibility, an investiture that requires knowing how to carry that of number 1. The old king abdicated without wanting to lose on the court, the new one is just the 29th tennis player to rise to number 1 in the ATP rankings (since August of 1973).
Having experienced this historical moment is something exceptional for those who live tennis. Generations upon generations have not seen an Italian number 1 in tennis. I’m writing this more often than I should because, allow me, I’m in disbelief. I am one of those who, until 4 years ago, were thrilled by a quarter-final, by entering top ten, even for an honorable defeat against a big player. Times have changed quickly, just as Jannik races on every surface. Solid but continually improving in fundamentals, like a boy who he is not yet 23 years old must be tactically focused and intelligent.
Characteristics that seem to remember someone, that someone who has just left him the scepter and who will have recognized himself in passerby of the 3-2 in the tie-break of the third and final set against Dimitrov and in the following line hit with the forehand. Decisive points that have straightened out an uncomfortable situation, are the numbers that make the difference between a good tennis player and a number 1. And Jannik Sinner the numbers of number 1 now it has them all.
