"Roger Federer's message was very very special" - Jannik Sinner grateful for heartwarming message from his 'idol' after World No. 1 glory

Jannik Sinner recently expressed that he was grateful for the heartfelt message he received from his "idol," Roger Federer, upon becoming the new World No.1. The Italian surpassed Novak Djokovic to claim the top spot in the rankings.

After a series of brilliant performances which included winning the Australian Open, the ABN AMRO Open, and the Miami Open this year, Sinner's rise to World No.1 was inevitable. The 22-year-old was able to claim the top spot after defending champion Djokovic withdrew from the 2024 French Open due to a knee injury.

In celebration of Jannik Sinner's achievement, the ATP released a video featuring former World No.1 players such as Andre Agassi, Daniil Medvedev, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, and Boris Becker, offering their congratulations and heartfelt messages to the Italian.

Among them was Roger Federer, who spent a record 237 consecutive weeks at No. 1 from 2004 to 2008. Federer praised Sinner for reaching the top of the sport and encouraged him to take pride in his accomplishment.

“Hey Jannik. Many congratulations also from my side to become World No. 1. I think this for me personally maybe the ultimate achievement and I am sure you are incredibly happy and you should be so proud," Federer said.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion also wished Sinner the best for the future and expressed that he was proud of him and his achievement.

"I’m sure also Italy is loving you right now as they should being the first Italian player ever to be World No. 1. It is incredible. I couldn’t be happier for you. You are a great person, great player and I wish you only the best for the future Jannik. Take care, I’ll see you soon,” he added.

During an interview with Tennis TV, Jannik Sinner was asked about which former World No.1's message meant the most to him.

In response, the Italian stated that since Roger Federer has been his "idol" growing up, his message resonated with him the most. He expressed gratitude for all the messages he received from the former World No.1 players and expressed his desire to thank them personally for their support.

"Well you know my idol was always Roger [Federer] so you know his message was very very special. But all the number ones who [sent] these beautiful messages has been amazing. I wish I could thank everyone and in person would be best," Jannik Sinner said [1:24].

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Jannik Sinner on becoming World No.1: "It means a lot to me, it was a very nice feeling"

Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner was honored with the ATP World No.1 trophy during a ceremony in Monte-Carlo on June 10. Following the presentation, Sinner spoke with beIN SPORTS and expressed that becoming the World No.1 meant a lot to him and he was happy as well as relieved to reach the top spot.

The Italian revealed that becoming the World No.1 had been a lifelong dream of his, which made the achievement even more special. Sinner emphasized that holding the top spot in the rankings was a "nice feeling."

"It means a lot to me being World No.1. It means you had a great year, actually an incredible year with a lot of success. I was happy and then it's kind of a relief. This is a dream that I've dreamed of when I was a little kid. It was only a dream that day and now that I can say that I'm World No.1, it means a lot to me. It took some time, that's for sure and it was a very nice feeling," Jannik Sinner told beIN Sports.

Jannik Sinner stated that being the World No.1 held the utmost importance in tennis, surpassing even the significance of winning Grand Slam titles and Masters events as reaching the top spot required dedication and hard work throughout the year. Sinner also said that becoming the World No.1 is the "best feeling" he can have.

"Well the meaning of World No.1, I think is the biggest meaning we have in our sport. Obviously the Grand Slams are important, the Masters events are important but being No.1 in the world is an achievement that you build in one year time and now obviously we see how much I can stay there and that's a different challenge. But being No.1, it's the best feeling I can have," he added.