It’s been a successful day of sport for Italy. Kimi Antonelli got things started in Shanghai by getting his maiden win at the Chinese Grand Prix. Over in the Californian desert, Jannik Sinner completed the set of big hard court titles, being crowned the Indian Wells champion as he beat Daniil Medvedev in two tiebreak sets.

Sinner is a huge Formula One fan and used his own triumph to pay tribute to the 19-year-old, who became the first Italian to win a race in two decades. Immediately after clinching a 7-6(6) 7-6(4) victory, Sinner wrote Antonelli’s name on the camera lens as he signed off on a dominant fortnight in Indian Wells.

And the world No. 2 paid tribute to his young countryman during his victory speech. Addressing the 16,100-strong Stadium 1 crowd, Sinner said: “It hasnt anything to do with tennis, but it has been a special day for Italy, because I’m a huge Formula One fan and having a very, very young Italian, Kimi, bringing italy back home at the top. It’s amazing, so thanks, Kimi, thanks Formula One, and see you next year.”

The newly-crowned Indian Wells champion sent Antonelli another message during a courtside interview with Sky Sports, branding the 19-year-old’s win “huge”. Sinner added: “It was huge. Yesterday I wanted to watch it, but it was midnight, so it was very… I’m not capable of going to sleep very late and playing tennis the next day. It’s very good discipline!

“It’s maybe the sport I love to watch the most outside of tennis. It’s huge for Italy. Formula One is a sport I truly love, so congrats Kimi. It’s amazing to have an Italian in the top of such an important sport.”

Antonelli isn’t the only Italian near the top of a big sport. Sinner has now won every big title on a hard court – the Australian Open and US Open at Grand Slam-level, the ATP Finals, and all six Masters 1000s on the surface. Until now, the 24-year-old had never even reached the final here.

After clinching a straight-set win over a resurgent Medvedev, the No. 2 seed told the crowd: “First of all, I want to start with Daniil and your team. It’ great to see you back playing this kind of level. I know you practised very, very hard. You have a great team behind you. Keep going, keep pushing.

“Of course, my team and friends, family at home, I want to thank you too. You keep pushing me to the limits. We came here very, very early to prepare for this. Now it’s even more special holding this beautiful trophy, thank you very much for all the support.”

Tennis legend Andre Agassi sat courtside for the match and presented Sinner with the crystal trophy afterwards. It was a special moment, as Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, used to work with Agassi. “It’s also special to have Andre here, as well, and playing in front of you, it makes it even more special, so thank you so much,” Sinner told him.

“Of course, you guys make it special. Now, I understand why this is ‘the paradise of tennis’, so thank you so much. It has been incredible since day one of the tournament and it’s truly a special, special tournament for all of us, so thank you so much.”

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