Part 1: Serena, DiCaprio, Curry & Hewitt; Nitto ATP Finals stars pick their champions

Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, and Alex de Minaur each know what it takes to become champions on the court. Collectively, they boast 54 ATP Tour titles, and this week, they will vie for the ultimate prize when they compete in the Ilie Nastase Group at the Nitto ATP Finals.

But who has inspired them to become the champions they are today? During Thursday's media day, each star revealed their idols, celebrating their positive qualities and sharing memories.

“I would like to start with my dad, who always did his best to make me feel comfortable,” said Sinner, who this year became the first Italian to reach No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings. “He cared for our family alongside my mom, so he’d be my first choice.

“The second would be Steph Curry, whom I met this year. He’s transformed basketball and is such a nice guy. Third, I’d choose Usain Bolt. I don’t usually watch races, but watching him run was always exciting."

Sinner's first opponent at the Nitto ATP Finals will be Alex de Minaur. The 25-year-old Australian is the first from his country to qualify for this prestigious year-end event since Lleyton Hewitt in 2004. De Minaur had the chance to play doubles with Hewitt in Estoril in 2018 and Brisbane in 2019, even winning a match with him in Portugal.

“In tennis, Lleyton Hewitt would be my champion,” De Minaur shared. “Growing up, every Aussie kid wanted to be like him. I’ve learned so much from watching him play, and he’s also been my Davis Cup captain."

“My favourite memory with Lleyton was playing doubles alongside him. Watching him win Grand Slams on TV and become the world’s best was inspiring. Fast forward 20 years, and I got to share the court with him — it was a full-circle moment.”

Taylor Fritz, who claimed the Indian Wells title in 2022 and broke into the Top 5 in 2023, has maximised his career with relentless hard work and a champion's mentality. His efforts have secured him a spot at the Nitto ATP Finals for a second time. Reflecting on his champions, the 27-year-old emphasised the importance of mindset.

“For tennis, I’d say Serena Williams. Outside of tennis, I’d choose Ronaldo and Kobe Bryant. It’s not just one moment that inspires me; it’s their extreme work ethic and competitive spirit. Each of them embodies those qualities."

Meanwhile, Medvedev, the 2020 Nitto ATP Finals champion, reflected on his favourite memories and the emotions brought by his chosen champions.

“One in tennis would be Nikolay Davydenko,” Medvedev said. “It’s a close choice between him and Safin, but I was older when I watched Davydenko play, and I loved his intensity. Watching him win the Nitto ATP Finals was incredible. He beat Roger Federer, and I know how hard that is. It was amazing to see.

“Outside of tennis, I’d choose Leonardo DiCaprio, who is a champion in his own field. DiCaprio inspires me because I love his movies; he’s an amazing actor. My third pick is Bastian Schweinsteiger. He was a champion on the field and in life. I know him personally, and he’s a great guy. His winning penalty against Real Madrid in 2012 was unforgettable.”

Stay tuned for Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev’s picks on Monday.

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