In Pictures: Jannik Sinner recreates adorable Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal moment with heartwarming gesture for Carlos Alcaraz at Six Kings Slam
Jannik Sinner helped Carlos Alcaraz out with a thoughtful gesture after their clash at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Riyadh. The adorable moment mirrored a heartwarming interaction between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal from 15 years ago.
Alcaraz and Sinner locked horns in a blockbuster final at the Six Kings Slam, with the Spaniard clinching the opening set 7-6 (5). Despite having lost all three of his tour-level encounters against the World No. 2 this season, Sinner mounted an impressive comeback to claim a 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3 victory, securing the whopping $6 million prize.
As the duo prepared to pose for the trophy photoshoot, the World No. 1 adorably picked out the confetti from Carlos Alcaraz's hair, ensuring that the Spaniard looked his best for the camera.
The heartwarming gesture was instantly reminiscent of Roger Federer doing the same for Rafael Nadal after their clash in the 2009 Madrid Open final. The Swiss legend had emerged victorious in the title clash at the Masters 1000 event, claiming a 6-4, 6-4 win over Nadal.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner's Six Kings Slam final provided several such entertaining moments, including the duo's comedic mix-up during the player introductions and the Spaniard hilariously directing Sinner on where to stand for the trophy photoshoot.
Rafael Nadal on Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner: "Roger Federer and I left, but that's part of sports so now it's new generation coming"
In an interview with DAZN before the Six Kings Slam, Rafael Nadal lavished praise on Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for their exceptional success this season, but cautioned against comparing their rivalry to that of the 'Big 3.'
"We need to wait but of course this year, already two Gand Slams each, number one, number two in the world, so they are creating their own story."
The 22-time Grand Slam champion contended that such comparisons were premature, particularly since Novak Djokovic was still active. While Nadal acknowledged that it was natural for a new generation of stars to emerge after his and Roger Federer's departure, he emphasized the importance of letting Alcaraz and Sinner create their own "story" without being measured against the 'Big 3.'
"I mean, I think it's not the moment to compare eras because Novak is still there. Roger and I, we left, we're gonna leave soon but that's part of the sports career of everyone so now it's new generation coming," he said.
"We need to leave them, create their own rivalries and create their own story without, they don't need the comparisons with us and let's see at the end of their careers, then going to be the moment to compare what they did, what we did," he added.
Jannik Sinner has echoed a similar sentiment, expressing his belief that comparing him, Carlos Alcaraz and other younger generation stars to Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic was "impossible," especially at this stage of their careers.