A movie-like welcome: Sinner lands in Riyadh and finds an unimaginable surprise.
Riyadh, October 15, 2025 — The atmosphere at King Khalid International Airport was surreal.
Dozens of journalists, cameras from around the world, and Italian and Arab fans awaited the arrival of the private jet bearing the “JS12” logo.
When Jannik Sinner appeared on the steps, dressed in a simple white shirt and a shy smile, no one could have predicted what was about to happen.
Among those present was the chairman of Saudi Aramco , the world’s most powerful energy giant, accompanied by an honorary delegation.
His presence had been unannounced—a total surprise, orchestrated with the typical discretion of Saudi power. “I’ve been a fan of his for years,” a statement that took everyone by surprise .
As soon as Jannik set foot on the ground, the tycoon approached and shook his hand with visible emotion.
In front of the microphones, he uttered words that went around the world in just a few minutes:
“I’ve been a fan of his for years. I’ve followed Jannik to every tournament, from his first victory in Sofia to Wimbledon.
Today, it’s an honor for me to welcome him as a king, not just as an athlete.”
His words sparked spontaneous applause among those present, while Sinner, with his usual humility, thanked them in English:
“It’s a great honor. I didn’t expect this. Thank you for your kindness.”
An unprecedented gesture: Aramco will cover all expenses of the Sinner team.
Moments later, the president made a sensational announcement in front of journalists from around the world:
Our country admires talent, discipline, and class. That’s why we’ve decided to cover all of Team Sinner’s costs during the Six Kings Slam 2025: flights, hotels, logistics, and private security. Jannik embodies the spirit of excellence our Kingdom wants to celebrate.
A decision that immediately sparked media debate: a gesture of sincere hospitality or a global marketing strategy?
Leaked figures suggest a total value of more than $2.5 million , all paid by Aramco.
The Sinner team, visibly surprised, simply confirmed that “the welcome was impeccable and beyond all expectations.”
The moment that left everyone speechless
But the scene that set social media ablaze came immediately afterward.
When it seemed the meeting was over, the Saudi tycoon pulled out a green velvet box and personally handed it to Sinner.
The tennis player, half embarrassed and half curious, opened it in front of the cameras.
Inside, a transparent glass cube containing a small clay ball from Monte Carlo , where Jannik had won one of the most symbolic tournaments of his career.
On the base of the cube, a plaque engraved in Arabic and Italian:
“For those who transform discipline into art.”
The audience, journalists, and even some members of Sinner’s team remained silent for several seconds.
Then, thunderous applause filled the airport VIP lounge.
Sinner, moved, looked up at the president and said simply:
“I will never forget this gesture.”
The Six Kings Slam 2025: Power, Spectacle, and Rivalry
The Six Kings Slam 2025 is the world’s most exclusive exhibition tournament, part of the “Riyadh Season” program, which brings together sports, music, and entertainment under the banner of luxury.
The stars: Djokovic, Alcaraz, Zverev, Fritz, Tsitsipas, and Sinner .
A massive prize pool and a dream setting, but this time the spotlight is on the Italian.
Jannik arrives as the defending champion, following his epic victory over Alcaraz in 2024.
And with such a regal welcome, the pressure—and expectations—are sky-high.
Saudi media are already headlines:
“Sinner, the king of the desert.”
While Italian fans on social media wrote:
“From the snow of San Candido to the sun of Riyadh: the journey of a champion who never forgets who he is.”
A symbol beyond sport
Beyond the media hype, the meeting between Sinner and the Aramco president represents something deeper: respect for the values of sport in a world dominated by business .
The phrase engraved on the glass cube has already gone viral, cited by newspapers and commentators as a metaphor for the new generation of athletes: disciplined, humble, and aware of their global role.
Sinner has won over the public not only with his success, but also with his authenticity.
And in an era where sport and politics often intertwine, his calm, kind, and consistent demeanor makes him a natural ambassador for world tennis.
