Tennis employs kids as mascots, like several other sports. They walk with the player before the match commences and take pictures with them. However, the story behind these mascot kids is not always cheerful. Often, the mascot children are suffering from an illness or have a family member going through arduous health. Jannik Sinner, who recently talked about the kids who became the mascot for him, was also suffering from an unfortunate problem.

Stan Wawrinka is another tennis star who shed the spotlight on the mascot kid for a bit. During his appearance in an earlier tournament, the Swiss star made the day for the girl who accompanied him. Now, Sinner is aiming to share a similar stage for his mascot.

Jannik Sinner on how the mascot kid lit up his day

The Mascot Kid program was developed by Nitto along with Casa UGI, a Turin-based volunteer organization. It was launched in 2017 and has persisted since. Most recently, Jannik Sinner walked on center court in Turin along with his mascot kid, who made the Italian player’s day. After his match, he revealed the words the kid told him. 

“He was a funny kid. It was a funny moment. He said, “Let’s go, Jannik; we are all rooting for you.” It was really nice getting this young kid the opportunity not only to see the players but also to see the court from the inside and everything. It’s really nice, and I think it also makes it special for the players. We walk on alone so many times in the year. Here’s a little bit different with the mascot. It’s really nice.”

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After the conference, a heart-breaking detail about the kid was revealed. “His name is Matteo, 7 years old, he lives with a tumour (chiasmatic glioma) under observation. He has been treated at the Regina Margherita’ Hospital in Turin for 4 years.”

Despite the illness, the moment he got to walk up with Sinner likely made Matteo elated, even if for a short period of time. However, the Italian player is not the only one who made the day for their mascot kid. 

Stan Wawrinka lights up the day for his mascot kid

Wawrinka faced Dusan Lajovic in the opening round of the Shanghai Masters but lost in straight sets. Regardless, he made the news for making his mascot kid feel special. The three-time Grand Slam champion walked to his bench, holding his mascot’s hand. They made small talk on their way to the bench, and when he arrived, he fist-bumped the kid and returned the wave that the little girl had directed at him.

Read More: Jannik Sinner’s Young Fan Steals Hearts in Adorable Scene at ATP Finals

As the youngster walked away, her face had a giant grin, and she reveled in the moment. The ATP official Instagram account posted a photo of Wawrinka and the child with the message, “TOO CUTE STAN.” The mascot kid who accompanied him had a similar story to the one who accompanied Sinner. While their backstory is saddening, the tennis players did their best to make their day.

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