Early Life and Diverse Talents in Sexten
Jannik Sinner's path to becoming a top-ranked tennis player commenced in the Dolomite mountains, specifically in the village of Sexten, Italy, near the Austrian border. From a young age, Sinner displayed remarkable athletic ability, initially excelling in skiing, where he achieved junior national championship runner-up status in giant slalom. He also showed significant promise in football, demonstrating an innate two-footed playing style.
However, tennis gradually became his primary focus in the tranquil, bilingual community of Sexten. His first tennis coach was family friend Andreas Schönegger, who had also introduced Sinner to skiing. Schönegger noted Sinner's exceptional technique from the outset, despite his small stature. He recalled an instance where Sinner's long red hair led other children to mistake him for a girl, quickly dispelling the notion by highlighting his strength.
Sinner's parents, particularly his father Hanspeter, a chef, were highly supportive. Hanspeter would often practice with his son after working long shifts. Sinner himself showed an early dedication, frequently staying late after group lessons to refine his footwork and groundstrokes.
"Everybody thinks when they see this guy on the court that to beat him is not a problem, but he had incredible technique from the beginning," Schönegger told BBC Sport. "The hair was long and red, similar to a girl. The first tournament he played, I remember the group asking me 'Andy, why today plays a girl with us?' And I tell them - this is not a girl, it's a very, very strong boy!"
The Move to Piatti Academy and Professional Beginnings
At the age of 13 and a half, Sinner made the significant decision to leave his home in Sexten and move to the Piatti Tennis Centre in Bordighera, on the Italian Riviera, approximately 400 miles away. This move marked a considerable cultural and environmental shift, from a German-speaking mountain village to a coastal town. Riccardo Piatti, the academy's founder, initially had reservations about Sinner's young age but relented due to Sinner's determination and his parents' advocacy.
The transition was challenging for Sinner, who had limited Italian and English proficiency and had previously been a part-time tennis player. He had to adapt to a rigorous training schedule that included gym work and frequent play, a stark contrast to his previous routine. Despite the difficulties, Sinner acknowledged the experience as crucial for his personal growth. He lived with a Croatian family, maintaining contact with them as his career progressed.
Piatti observed Sinner's strong personality and humor, while coach Andrea Volpini, who traveled with Sinner early in his career, noted his sociable nature and enjoyment of simple pleasures like football and ice cream. Volpini also experienced Sinner's connection to his hometown, recalling challenging runs in the mountains with him.
Unconventionally, Sinner bypassed junior Grand Slams, with Piatti preferring to send him to play on the Futures tour, the lowest tier of professional men's tennis. This approach aimed to provide more opportunities for Sinner to develop his game against professional competition. He also had the chance to practice with elite players like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, gaining valuable insights and advice, particularly from Djokovic on his forehand.
Rise Through the Ranks and Grand Slam Success
Sinner's professional debut came in January 2018 at the age of 16 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. His former physiotherapist, Claudio Zimaglia, noted his initial physical frailty but highlighted the significant impact of his subsequent gym work. By the end of 2019, Sinner had reached the semi-finals of an ATP Tour event in Antwerp and, at 18, won the Next Gen ATP Finals, a tournament for the best under-21 players.
Riccardo Piatti recognized Sinner's profound dedication, stating that "95% of his life is tennis. He thinks in tennis." Sinner's commitment to continuous improvement was a defining characteristic.
After reaching his second Grand Slam quarter-final at the 2022 Australian Open, Sinner, then a top-10 player with five ATP Tour titles, sought a new perspective, parting ways with Piatti. Under the guidance of Italian Simone Vagnozzi and Australian Darren Cahill, Sinner has since achieved remarkable success, including four Grand Slam titles, reaching the world number one ranking, and developing a significant rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz.
Darren Cahill frequently praises Sinner's grounded upbringing and character, describing him as a "good man" who is jovial off the court. Sinner's connection to his roots remains strong. Innichen, his birthplace, and Sexten, where he grew up, celebrate his achievements with great enthusiasm. Local establishments, like Bar da Marco, host watch parties for his matches, commemorating his victories with annotated champagne bottles.
In a public celebration in his hometown, Sinner, who had just become world number one, brought his Australian Open trophy, the Davis Cup, and the replica Norman Brookes Challenge Cup. Mayor Thomas Summerer emphasized that Sinner's humble manner, sincerity, and direct connection with people make "Jannik the person outstrips Jannik the athlete."
Source: In the foothills of the Dolomites, a champion was made