Has there ever been a greater Gentleman than Sinner on the tour?

[leodevlin]

Don't get me wrong, they definitely have been some really good guys on the tour, obvious ones are Fed and Carlos , not to mention the swedes in the 70 or 80s.

But I don't see anyone displaying the same class as Sinner.

Fed used to make some very honest but self flattering comments at his peak.
Carlos is a super nice guy but sometimes his "in your face vamos celebrations" are a bit over the top and could be irritating.
The Scandinavians , Rune excluded, are usually very gentle too , but they usually very quiet and can be a bit passive aggressive.

I just love how humble Sinner is, he never acts like an *******, always celebrates crucial points or victories in a very subtle manner, Shows concern for his opponents, never blows his own horn. So far has never been rude to reporters.

So he is really growing on me and I am a Fed fan.

Thoughts?

 

[NeutralFan]

His humble attitude and niceness is something made me cheer for him.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Oh God. The hyperbole is just cringe at this point. Proclaim Sinner as Mother Theresa, Jr. at this point and move on.

There are endless current players who are as nice and classy and polite as Sinner. Among them are Felix, Hubi or Casper. Among past greats, well, how much time do you have to list them all?

Edberg
Laver
Rosewall
Guga
Blake
Rafter ...ad infinitum

Sinner is at the beginning of his career, the guys I listed from the past all played 10-20+ years on tour and exemplified class, humbleness and polite behavior for decades. They never made a misstep in decorum. Proclaiming a 22 year old player as the "classiest" pro tennis player currently or ever is so premature it's laughable. Sinner's a nice guy and behaves very well on court, but so have countless other past players. Edberg fist pumped probably three times in 15 years, Sinner does it 3 times a game - arguably not "subtle" at all.

 

[sportsfan1]

Yes sinner is a good person to be at the top of the atp rankings. Well behaved on court and let's his game do the talking. No yelling, arguing with the umpires/lines people/ball boys etc.

 

[ojo rojo]

Edberg

Stefan killed Dick Wertheim with his serve

 

[ollinger]

The analysis here falls somewhere short of comprehensive. There have been thousands of players on the tour over the years, the OP mentions four.

 

[tennis3]

Mitch Cumstein

 

[Cupcake]

Earlier in the clay season when Sinner was playing Rune and Rune was having a significant hissy-fit, refusing to play or other childishness, Sinner gave him a most spectacular, yet subtle, side-eye glare as he walked along the baseline, ready to play. It was, as they say, a moment.

In temperament, Sinner reminds me of Sampras.

 

[BeatlesFan]

The analysis here falls somewhere short of comprehensive. There have been thousands of players on the tour over the years, the OP mentions four.

Has the OP has ever had any personal interaction with any of the current players? If he/she hasn't attended pro tournaments, watched practices, spoken to the players or interacted with them as a fan, then your analysis falls quite flat. I've talked to all of these guys casually at IW and Sinner is indeed a very nice (albeit very reserved, shy) guy. But so are Felix, Hubi, Eubanks and many others. Even Med is really likeable and very accessible to fans and everyone on the grounds. Don't even get me started with Carlos, who is just incredibly sweet and nice to everyone. There's not just one gentleman on tour, there are quite a number of them.

 

[Sport]

Ruud is the supreme gentleman.

 

[tennis3]

His humble attitude and niceness is something made me cherr for him.

 

[mahatma]

He has a likeable character without a doubt.

 

[Federev]

Don't get me wrong, they definitely have been some really good guys on the tour, obvious ones are Fed and Carlos , not to mention the swedes in the 70 or 80s.

But I don't see anyone displaying the same class as Sinner.

Fed used to make some very honest but self flattering comments at his peak.
Carlos is a super nice guy but sometimes his "in your face vamos celebrations" are a bit over the top and could be irritating.
The Scandinavians , Rune excluded, are usually very gentle too , but they usually very quiet and can be a bit passive aggressive.

I just love how humble Sinner is, he never acts like an *******, always celebrates crucial points or victories in a very subtle manner, Shows concern for his opponents, never blows his own horn. So far has never been rude to reporters.

So he is really growing on me and I am a Fed fan.

Thoughts?

He has a humble name.

He’s seems like a kind man.

But I’m sure there are guys at his level of niceness.

Ruud is one.

 

[leodevlin]

Stefan killed Dick Wertheim with his serve

ouch, there is that.

 

[leodevlin]

Oh God. The hyperbole is just cringe at this point. Proclaim Sinner as Mother Theresa, Jr. at this point and move on.

There are endless current players who are as nice and classy and polite as Sinner. Among them are Felix, Hubi or Casper. Among past greats, well, how much time do you have to list them all?

Edberg
Laver
Rosewall
Guga
Blake
Rafter ...ad infinitum

Sinner is at the beginning of his career, the guys I listed from the past all played 10-20+ years on tour and exemplified class, humbleness and polite behavior for decades. They never made a misstep in decorum. Proclaiming a 22 year old player as the "classiest" pro tennis player currently or ever is so premature it's laughable. Sinner's a nice guy and behaves very well on court, but so have countless other past players. Edberg fist pumped probably three times in 15 years, Sinner does it 3 times a game - arguably not "subtle" at all.

Not old enough to assess laver or Rosewall. you could be right on the rest though the anger in your response is a bit irrational LOL.

 

[leodevlin]

The analysis here falls somewhere short of comprehensive. There have been thousands of players on the tour over the years, the OP mentions four.

Tried to focus on the guys on top. Success has a way of turning people into ****** bags.

 

[leodevlin]

Has the OP has ever had any personal interaction with any of the current players? If he/she hasn't attended pro tournaments, watched practices, spoken to the players or interacted with them as a fan, then your analysis falls quite flat. I've talked to all of these guys casually at IW and Sinner is indeed a very nice (albeit very reserved, shy) guy. But so are Felix, Hubi, Eubanks and many others. Even Med is really likeable and very accessible to fans and everyone on the grounds. Don't even get me started with Carlos, who is just incredibly sweet and nice to everyone. There's not just one gentleman on tour, there are quite a number of them.

Read carefully. The scope of the aassessment is not if these guys are nice in certain situations. I don' think anyone thinks Med is a classy guy, no matter how nice he is to his fans.

Hubi, Eubanks and others never achieved a real break through.

 

[Gemini]

Didn't read the entire thread but I'd say Dimitrov. Though he hasn't reached the peak of accomplishment in the sport at any moment (except the YEC title being his high point), Dimitrov seems to be one of the classiest, most sought -after, yet still relatively humble guys on tour.

 

[leodevlin]

Ruud is the supreme gentleman.

Agree with that. My post was not designed to say no one else was a gentleman, I guess I tried to say that given his success and age , he is really up there.

 

[ollinger]

the anger in your response is a bit irrational

the hyperbole in your premise is ludicrously irrational

 

[Kralingen]

Stefan killed Dick Wertheim with his serve

Yeah I'm sorry but having a Sportsmanship Award named after a guy who has literally killed a human being on a tennis court never sat right with me.

Sure Edberg was a nice guy and all. Still a killer.

 

[Tano]

Ruud is the supreme gentleman.

The humble Norwegian should win the Sportsmanship of the Year award.

 

[KantenKlaar]

I am super weary of Mr Perfects, those who are just too maple syrupy or snowy white. Show me you are human...even Hurkatz gave us a glimpse recently.

 

[>17]

Oh God. The hyperbole is just cringe at this point. Proclaim Sinner as Mother Theresa, Jr. at this point and move on.

There are endless current players who are as nice and classy and polite as Sinner. Among them are Felix, Hubi or Casper.

Literally only a few days ago:

After making the substitution gesture with his hands, Hurkacz directly asked Dimitrov right in front of the umpire at the changeover: "G, do you want to make a change?

"I mean, do you want to continue with the lady here? Do you want to continue or make a change? It's up to you. Change the lady, the chair umpire..."

Dimitrov responded with several shrugs and said: "Honestly, it's fine."

 

[tennis3]

Yeah I'm sorry but having a Sportsmanship Award named after a guy who has literally killed a human being on a tennis court never sat right with me.

Sure Edberg was a nice guy and all. Still a killer.

Who had the most killer serve all time?

A. Isner
B. Karlovic
C. Sampras
D. Edberg

 

[heavyD]

Ruud and Felix seem like low key nice guys.

 

[GAS]

I'm surprised OP can type while having Sinner's

 

[Sport]

Who had the most killer serve all time?

A. Isner
B. Karlovic
C. Sampras

D. Philippoussis.
E. Roddick.

 

[Rovesciarete]

There have been and are quite a few gentleman on tour. It was pre-tour but maybe Baron Gottfried von Cramm fits the bill best:

Some sports stories never get old. For me, every single tale of the sportsmanship of Gottfried von Cramm is worth repeating.

…

Gottfried Cramm–he dropped the aristocratic von as well as his title of “Baron” for most introductions–did that sort of thing every day before breakfast.

The first time Don Budge met Cramm, it was 1935, and both men had both just won their Wimbledon quarter-final matches. They were slated to meet in the semis. Cramm took the 20-year-old Budge aside, and explained that in his match against Bunny Austin, he had been “a very bad sport.” A close call went against Austin, and Budge agreed that the linesman made a mistake. To put things right, Budge tanked the next point.

That’s how Bill Tilden did things. Even though Tilden’s brand of theatrics went beyond what most players would dare, a generation of American players followed his lead. They thought it was the sportsmanlike way of responding to such unfairness. But no, Cramm explained: “You made yourself an official, which you are not, and in improperly assuming this duty so that you could correct things your way, you managed to embarrass that poor linesman in front of eighteen thousand people.”

In Cramm’s view, proper treatment of everyone–including linesman, who were often of a middling standard, at best–came first, ahead even of fairness on court.

 

[socallefty]

always celebrates crucial points or victories in a very subtle manner,

I believe Sinner is a good dude also, but he does overt fist pumping while looking mostly at his opponent on every point he wins. I think it is completely OK, but it doesn’t live up to the way you describe it as being subtle. Have you attended one of his matches?

It has always been the case for decades that there are tons of well behaved guys on tour on court and a few jerks. It does seem hyperbolic to single out Sinner as somehow standing above everyone else.

 

[King_olaf_the_hairy]

 

[Roforot]

Yeah I'm sorry but having a Sportsmanship Award named after a guy who has literally killed a human being on a tennis court never sat right with me.

Sure Edberg was a nice guy and all. Still a killer.

I believe the court said it wasn't the tennis ball from an errant serve that killed the guy but a combination of the fall and his having significant coronary artery disease.

 

[BeatlesFan]

I believe the court said it wasn't the tennis ball from an errant serve that killed the guy but a combination of the fall and his having significant coronary artery disease.

Duh.

Only on TTW is Stefan Edberg referred to as a "killer." Nicest, classiest tennis player who ever lived.

The man who died had significant cardiovascular issues, he had a heart attack and a stroke at age 40.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Wertheim

 

[Roforot]

Duh.

Only on TTW is Stefan Edberg referred to as a "killer." Nicest, classiest tennis player who ever lived.

The man who died had significant cardiovascular issues, he had a heart attack and a stroke at age 40.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Wertheim

nice job sherlock, you just looked up the same wiki article I did...

 

[jxs653]

Who had the most killer serve all time?

A. Isner
B. Karlovic
C. Sampras
D. Edberg

D. Philippoussis.
E. Roddick.

F. Ivanisevic
G. Rusedski

 

[leodevlin]

I believe Sinner is a good dude also, but he does overt fist pumping while looking mostly at his opponent on every point he wins. I think it is completely OK, but it doesn’t live up to the way you describe it as being subtle. Have you attended one of his matches?

It has always been the case for decades that there are tons of well behaved guys on tour on court and a few jerks. It does seem hyperbolic to single out Sinner as somehow standing above everyone else.

Interesting, I only watched his matches on tv but it appears to me that his fist pumps are very subtle and that he usually looks at his box and not the opponent.

 

[ChaelAZ]

Current I think Dimitrov is there. Ruud has a few complaining moments, but I think more rightfully so, but he seems a pretty stand up guy. We lost Thiem who was said to be "the nicest guy" by dozens of other players.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Interesting, I only watched his matches on tv

Then honestly, why did you start this thread? Many of us have seen these pros up close and for many years. I first saw Sinner live at IW against Fritz in 2021 when he was just a pup (he lost in straights). Saw him play Djere on an outer court (second set only) in 2022.

Stating Sinner is the ultimate gentleman ever is problematic when you haven't even seen these guys up close. If you think Sinner's fist pumps are subtle, then watch him live. He's a gentleman, but countless other tennis pros are too and many times more extroverted and effusive with kids and fans. He's not the only fish in the sea in this "polite angel" domain, not by a long shot. You can't make a judgment when your experience is limited, that's all.

 

[mental midget]

Earlier in the clay season when Sinner was playing Rune and Rune was having a significant hissy-fit, refusing to play or other childishness, Sinner gave him a most spectacular, yet subtle, side-eye glare as he walked along the baseline, ready to play. It was, as they say, a moment.

In temperament, Sinner reminds me of Sampras.

imo pete was a little sharper with his outward competitiveness, radiated a good bit more of the 'this is my court' vibe than jannik. but in terms of a relatively quiet approach most of the time, maybe some similarity. sinner is more in the edberg mold if i had to compare.

 

[NeutralFan]

Oh God. The hyperbole is just cringe at this point. Proclaim Sinner as Mother Theresa, Jr. at this point and move on.

There are endless current players who are as nice and classy and polite as Sinner. Among them are Felix, Hubi or Casper. Among past greats, well, how much time do you have to list them all?

Edberg
Laver
Rosewall
Guga
Blake
Rafter ...ad infinitum

Sinner is at the beginning of his career, the guys I listed from the past all played 10-20+ years on tour and exemplified class, humbleness and polite behavior for decades. They never made a misstep in decorum. Proclaiming a 22 year old player as the "classiest" pro tennis player currently or ever is so premature it's laughable. Sinner's a nice guy and behaves very well on court, but so have countless other past players. Edberg fist pumped probably three times in 15 years, Sinner does it 3 times a game - arguably not "subtle" at all.

Sinner is 100 times better human than Mother Theresa. She was a religious bigot who denied medicines to her patients and thought suffering was good. She ate at fancy restuarant and then shouted at manager and staffs when they asked her to pay the bills, nobody knows where did the huge fund she collected go, list is too long .

 

[vokazu]

You obviously didn't watch all of Sinner's matches.

Sinner threw his racquet to the ground when he lost to Altmeier in FO '23.

Sinner also threw his racquet to the ground after he lost a point against Duckworth

https://www.reddit.com/r/tennis/comments/p2kmxl

 

[Bukowski]

Sinners game is offensive to the eyes. No need for him to turn us off any further, yet he’s committed enough with the ear pointing.

 

[Ballmachine87]

Patrick Rafter, and it is not remotely close.

 

[reaper]

Stefan killed Dick Wertheim with his serve

What a way to go....

 

[FeroBango]

Saint Sinner.

 

[rigged]

Been watching him since his QF against Nadal FO 2020. Finding out he's only 19, seeing that he doesn't get angry like most teens do, almost took a set off Nadal, I was like ,,bro, he's definitely at least a future ATG".

 

[The Blond Blur]

Yeah I'm sorry but having a Sportsmanship Award named after a guy who has literally killed a human being on a tennis court never sat right with me.

Sure Edberg was a nice guy and all. Still a killer.

It is really weird tbh.

 

[AO13]

The way he handled that situation in Monte Carlo against Tsitsipas, when umpire's mistake cost him double break in final set and 1:4 lead, instead of that he lost that game 2:3 and the match, and he was totally calm and fine with it, shook hands with umpire like he's won the match... That just shows how calm and classy this guy is. And yes, it is why I became his fan since the beginning of his career.

He might be one of the greatest gentleman in history of tennis if he continues to be like this throughout his young career.​

 

[Deleted member 806402]

His humble attitude and niceness is something made me cheer for him.

That's cap. It was his WINNING!

 

[Spin Diesel]

I'd agree that there are equally nice, or even nicer guys on tour. But some of the responses are a bit crazy imo, it's obvious that most people exagerrate with their posts. And I do like the intention of the OP, because I think it's worth to address that - I'd say, it's great that Sinner is a very nice and humble guy and he shows a lot of class, still after having won a slam and being Nr. 1 in the world. And I don't expect this to change throughout his career. With all the talk about players behaving poorly it makes sense to also "celebrate" (for lack of a better term) if there's successfull players who behave well.