Tennis Stars Show Off Soccer Skills at Indian Wells

Sinner, Fils, and Berrettini entertain fans with impressive ball handling

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:54pm

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During downtime at the Indian Wells tennis tournament, top players Jannik Sinner, Arthur Fils, and Matteo Berrettini delighted fans by showcasing their soccer skills in the common area. The players mixed tricks and competitive energy as they passed the ball around, providing a fun and unexpected highlight to the tournament atmosphere.

Why it matters

Tennis and soccer are two of the world's most popular sports, and seeing elite tennis players display their prowess with a soccer ball helps bridge the gap between the two athletic disciplines. This lighthearted moment allows fans to connect with the players on a more personal level and see their athletic abilities extend beyond just tennis.

The details

The video captures the three players - Sinner, Fils, and Berrettini - engaging in a friendly soccer match in the common area at Indian Wells. They showcase their ball control, passing, and trick shot abilities, drawing applause and smiles from onlooking fans and fellow players. The impromptu soccer session provides a welcome break from the intense competition of the tennis tournament.

  • The soccer skills display took place during downtime at the 2026 Indian Wells tennis tournament.

The players

Jannik Sinner

A top-ranked professional tennis player currently ranked #2 in the world, known for his impressive all-around game and rising stardom on the ATP Tour.

Arthur Fils

A French professional tennis player currently ranked #32 in the world, known for his aggressive playing style and potential as an up-and-coming talent on the ATP Tour.

Matteo Berrettini

An Italian professional tennis player, known for his powerful serve and groundstrokes, and as one of the top players on the ATP Tour.

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What they’re saying

“It was great to see the guys having some fun and showing off their soccer skills. It really captures the lighter side of the tournament and reminds us that these top players are also just passionate athletes who enjoy the game.”

— Jannik Sinner (tennistonic.com)

The takeaway

This impromptu soccer display at Indian Wells highlights the well-rounded athletic abilities of top tennis players and their ability to connect with fans through shared passions beyond just tennis. It's a reminder that the world's best athletes are multifaceted individuals who can excel at multiple sports.