Zizou Bergs Reveals the Idea Behind Viral Handshake With Jannik Sinner in Monte Carlo

Jannik Sinner will now turn his attention to the singles draw.

Zizou Bergs Reveals the Idea Behind Viral Handshake With Jannik Sinner in Monte Carlo

Jannik Sinner and Zizou Bergs' viral handshake (via ATP Tour)

When the entry lists drop for a Masters 1000 doubles draw, most fans casually skim it, looking for the usual suspects. But every now and then, a pairing pops up that makes them do a double-take. Enter Jannik Sinner and Zizou Bergs at the 2026 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.

On a breezy Sunday afternoon on Court Rainier III, this makeshift duo walked out and put on an absolute clinic. Normally, Sinner, currently involved in a breathless chase with Carlos Alcaraz for the No. 1 ranking, might want to save his legs. Instead, the talian teamed up with the rising Belgian star to take down established singles heavyweights Casper Ruud and Tomas Machac.

It was 83 minutes of pure, unadulterated box office tennis, ending in a 6-4, 7-5 straight-sets victory that had the Monaco crowd buzzing. And then came the celebration. After match point, the two met at the net, clasped hands, and pointed skyward in a synchronized gesture that immediately caught fire on social media. Shortly after, Bergs revealed the idea behind it.

Romelu Lukaku and Kevin de Bruyne have been the heartbeat of the Belgian soccer team. The duo have given plenty of top performances for their team, but they have developed a special connection that resonates with this celebration.

Jannik Sinner and Zizou Bergs: A blueprint for instant chemistry

Tennis is a funny sport. The draw makers can put two world-class players on the same side of the net, and sometimes it looks like they’re speaking entirely different languages. But Jannik Sinner and Zizou Bergs looked like they’d been playing together since they were teenagers, hitting on public courts.

Jannik Sinner, Zizou Bergs
Jannik Sinner, Zizou Bergs (Image via Tennis.com, X/4K JANNIK SINNER)

The stats tell part of the story: 8 aces thundered past Casper Ruud and Tomas Machac, and a gritty four-for-nine conversion rate on break points. But the stats don’t tell about the vibe. Sinner brought his trademark baseline heat, while Bergs brought a loose, infectious energy that kept the pair completely relaxed in high-pressure moments.

And then came the celebration that immediately caught fire on social media. It had the distinct flavor of two guys who just pulled off a heist at the Monte Carlo Casino and were laughing all the way to the getaway car. It was pure human emotion, a refreshing break from the robotic stoicism we sometimes see on the tour.

The shadow of the number one ranking

As fun as this doubles run is, there is an elephant in the room, and its name is the ATP rankings. Jannik Sinner is on a mission.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Image via X/4K JANNIK SINNER)

The Italian phenom is breathing down Carlos Alcaraz‘s neck for the World No. 1 spot. Everything Sinner does right now is heavily scrutinized. Is playing doubles a distraction, or is it a masterstroke of preparation?

If this first match is any indication, it’s the latter. Sinner looked sharp, his volleys were crisp, and most importantly, he looked happy.

Playing doubles on the dirt is one of the best ways to sharpen one’s transition game and get a feel for the unique bounces of the clay before the grueling singles campaign begins. Every match Sinner plays in Monaco, whether there are two stars on the other side of the net or one, is a stepping stone toward that coveted top spot.

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