The tennis world was abuzz at 09:09 AM +07 on Thursday, September 11, 2025, when Hollywood star Elle Fanning, dubbed the “rose of America,” stunned fans at the US Open with a glowing tribute to Jannik Sinner. During a courtside interview at Flushing Meadows, Fanning praised the Italian star, saying, “Gli italiani sono davvero incredibili. He’s truly incredible, he deserves to be seen playing in a final like this.” Her words, delivered with a radiant smile, sent Italian supporters into a frenzy, amplifying the electric atmosphere as Sinner prepared for his semifinal clash against Felix Auger-Aliassime on September 6. The actress, known for her roles in films like Maleficent, has been a regular at the tournament, adding a touch of glamour to the event, but her unexpected endorsement of Sinner left fans and media in awe.
Sinner’s journey to the semifinals has been nothing short of remarkable. The world No. 1, fresh off a dominant quarterfinal win over Lorenzo Musetti, showcased his trademark resilience and skill, reinforcing his status as a fan favorite. Fanning’s comment seemed to elevate his profile further, with social media platforms like X exploding with clips of her praise, many calling it a “Hollywood blessing” for the 24-year-old from San Candido. Fans anticipated a gracious response from Sinner, expecting a nod of appreciation to match the actress’s enthusiasm, especially given her presence among the celebrity-packed Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, which included Donald Trump.
However, Sinner’s reaction defied expectations. Post-match, as cameras captured his interaction with the press, he didn’t offer the customary thank-you. Instead, he turned away from the microphone, adjusted his cap, and made a subtle yet shocking gesture—raising his middle finger toward the stands. The move, fleeting but unmistakable, left the audience in stunned silence, followed by a mix of gasps and cheers. Italian fans, initially elated by Fanning’s support, were left reeling, with some interpreting it as a defiant statement against pressure, while others saw it as a disrespectful snub. Commentators scrambled to contextualize the moment, with one suggesting it might have been aimed at detractors in the crowd rather than Fanning herself.
The contrast between Fanning’s heartfelt praise and Sinner’s bold action has ignited debate. Was it a spontaneous release of tension after a grueling match, or a calculated move to assert his individuality? Sinner’s camp has remained silent, leaving speculation to run wild. Some fans on X praised his unfiltered authenticity, with one writing, “Jannik doesn’t bow to anyone—love the edge!” Others, however, felt it undermined the goodwill Fanning’s words generated. As Sinner advances to face Carlos Alcaraz in the final on September 7, this moment has added an unpredictable layer to his narrative, making his performance under the spotlight even more compelling. Will this gesture haunt him, or will he channel it into a championship win? The US Open faithful are on edge, awaiting the next twist in this dramatic saga.
