“I didn’t feel comfortable,” Jannik Sinner reflects on mental and emotional rollercoaster during Australian Open campaign earlier this year
Jannik Sinner returns from a three-month suspension at the Rome Masters, which ends on the 4th of May.
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Jannik Sinner (Image via ATP/X)
Jannik Sinner has opened up about the mental and physical struggles he faced during his Australian Open campaign. Although the Italian went on to win his third Grand Slam title, it didn’t come without challenges off the court.
He revealed that he was looked at differently in the locker room, which was difficult for him to handle. Sinner has reportedly had tensions with some Australian players, including Nick Kyrgios.
Did I ever think about giving up? Yes, I did. Before the Australian Open this year, I was in a not so happy moment. Arriving there in Australia I didn’t feel comfortable in the locker room, where I went to eat… the players looked at me differently. I didn’t like it.
Jannik Sinner said in an interview to Raiplay
Despite his off-court issues, Sinner remained calm and focused during matches. He defeated Alexander Zverev in straight sets in the final to claim his third Grand Slam title and his second in Australia.
There, I thought that living tennis that way was really heavy. I thought about taking some time off after Australia. Then it went as it went, I didn’t want it to go like this but in the other sense at that moment it did me good. Three months is long… but one reason I didn’t play Rotterdam was precisely that. I needed time with friends and to give priority to the people I love.
Jannik Sinner added
Sinner was scheduled to defend his title in Rotterdam but chose to skip the event. He was also expected to play the Qatar Open, but that was before news broke of his agreement to serve a three-month suspension from WADA.
Jannik Sinner opens foundation for kids
World No.1 Jannik Sinner has officially launched the Jannik Sinner Foundation. The main goal of the foundation is to support and inspire children through sports and education.
Sinner, who is currently World No. 1, said he’s thankful for the help he received early in his tennis career. He now wants to give back by helping young people grow through learning and physical activity.
The foundation will be guided by a strong leadership team. Sinner’s manager, Alex Vittur, will serve as President of the Foundation. Other key members include Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and former Apple CFO Luca Maestri. Christina Tauber will manage the daily work of the foundation.
Jannik Sinner moves ahead of Rafael Nadal in World No.1 record books
Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner has now spent 46 weeks as World No. 1 in the ATP Rankings. With strong recent results and few threats from rivals, he is likely to remain at the top at least until after the French Open. This puts him on track to climb higher on the list for most consecutive weeks at No. 1.
Sinner first reached the top on June 10, 2024, after replacing Novak Djokovic following Roland Garros. He became the first Italian to ever hold the top spot. His 46-week streak now ties him with legends Rafael Nadal and Bjorn Borg for 19th place in ATP history.
He is expected to pass both Nadal and John McEnroe’s longest No. 1 streaks soon. McEnroe held the spot for 58 straight weeks, while Nadal managed 56 weeks at his best. With Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev missing chances to pass him, Sinner’s lead looks secure.
Alcaraz’s recent withdrawal from the Madrid Open ended his small chance to take over the No. 1 ranking. Looking ahead to the grass-court season, Sinner is dropping fewer points than his rivals. If he stays on top through Wimbledon, he will pass McEnroe and Nadal, though he still has work to do to reach the all-time top 10.
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