Jannik Sinner
Sinner salutes Antonelli following breakthrough F1 win
Italian praises countryman during trophy ceremony after winning Indian Wells
March 16, 2026
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Jannik Sinner praised Kimi Antonelli on Sunday in Indian Wells.
By ATP Staff
It was a spectacular Sunday for Italian sport and not just because Jannik Sinner lifted the trophy at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. About 6,500 miles away in Shanghai, Sinner’s countryman Kimi Antonelli was making history as the second-youngest race winner in Formula 1 history.
During the trophy ceremony after defeating Daniil Medvedev, Sinner gave fans a glimpse of his dual-sport fandom.
“It has been a special day for Italy because I am a huge Formula 1 fan and having a very, very young Italian Kimi bringing Italy back home at the top is amazing. So thanks Kimi and thanks Formula 1,” he said, later telling Tennis Channel he had watched highlights of 19-year-old Antonelli’s breakthrough victory.
Sinner, who became just the third man to win all six hard-court ATP Masters 1000 events on Sunday, spent time with Antonelli at the Nitto ATP Finals last year, with the F1 star attending the prestigious event in Turin to support the No. 2 player in the PIF ATP Rankings.
Sinner leaves California holding a 13-2 record on the season, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. The 24-year-old is also second in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin.
Worlds colliding 🏆
🏎️ Kimi Antonelli met @janniksin after Sinner’s victory at the #NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/bEaVumWQQn
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 16, 2025