WATCH: Heartfelt homecoming of Jannik Sinner as he returns to Italy for the first time since becoming World No.1

Sinner is currently participating in the Halle Open and has won his first round match.

WATCH: Heartfelt homecoming of Jannik Sinner as he returns to Italy for the first time since becoming World No.1

Jannik Sinner (Via Imago)

Jannik Sinner, the standout player of 2024, began the season on a high note and continues to soar to new heights. He not only claimed his first Australian Open title but also surpassed Novak Djokovic to become the youngest Italian ever to achieve the World No. 1 ranking.

To celebrate his historic achievement, the ATP gave him a couple of gifts, which included a brand new trophy as World No.1 and also a video montage of the former No.1s wishing him. However, the celebration was far from over for the Italian, who finally headed back to his hometown to celebrate with his family. 

YouTube video

He returned to where it all began and even gave a small insight in a video. Sinner explained how he used to play tennis twice a week, and how he got into trouble for coming late from playing either football or tennis. 

FS Video
If you imagine coming from here, tennis player. It's very, very strange.
Jannik Sinner said in the video on ATP’s official channel

Sinner went out to greet all the Italian fans who were waiting for their brand-new champion. 

Jannik Sinner survives Halle scare as he wins first match as World No.1

After replacing Novak Djokovic as the next World No.1, young Jannik Sinner began his journey on grass, with a bit more pressure to perform well. He is competing at the Halle Open, where he played against Tallon Griekspoor in the first match. 

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Via Imago)

It proved to be a crazy match to kick-start his journey as World No.1. Sinner survived a first-set scare, as the match went into the tie-break. After losing that by a close margin, he was just unstoppable in the next two, winning both sets and claiming his first win as World No.1.

It was for sure mentally tough. I was 5/1 up in the tie-break in the first set. But this can happen, especially on this surface. It can go very, very fast. 
Jannik Sinner said in the post-match conference

The Italian now gears up for his second-round match and also his first doubles match of the year in preparation for the Olympics. Sinner will play alongside Polish start Hubert Hurkacz in a combo no one would have expected. 

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