Jannik Sinner: Quiet man of tennis basks in the limelight
Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrating after beating Spain's Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the Wimbledon men's singles final at the All England Club in London on July 13.
LONDON – Jannik Sinner is the quiet man of tennis who has become a big noise, burnishing his legacy on July 13 by winning his first Wimbledon title.
The Italian beat his fierce rival Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the latest instalment of their captivating rivalry to claim his fourth Grand Slam at the age of 23.
The pair are the new dominant forces in men's tennis, sharing the past seven Grand Slams between them as the memory of the 'Big Three' era fades.
While Alcaraz is the flashy showman of the game, adored by the fans for his high-risk, high-reward tennis, Sinner stays ice-cold on the court and mild-mannered off it.
His game is based on relentless power and accuracy from the baseline, resembling that of 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
The Italian is getting used to life at the top, reaching his fourth successive major final at Wimbledon this year – a run that started with the 2024 US Open.
Sinner defended his Australian Open title in Melbourne in January but his career was put on hold after that as he served a three-month ban for twice testing positive for banned anabolic steroid clostebol in 2024.
Sinner has always maintained the product entered his system unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist, who had used a spray containing it to treat a cut.
The World Anti-Doping Agency said 'Sinner did not intend to cheat' but that he would serve his suspension as he is responsible for the actions of his entourage.
Sinner returned to the court in May, reaching the final of the Italian Open, where he was beaten by Alcaraz.
Next on his schedule was the French Open and again he reached the title match, this time suffering heartbreak as Alcaraz came back from two sets down, saving three match points to defend his title.
That gave the Spaniard an 8-4 lead in the rivalry between the pair and was his fifth straight win.
But the tables were turned on July 13 as Sinner showed impressive mental strength to come back after losing the first set.
Said the Italian: 'Emotionally I had a very tough loss in Paris. So I'm very happy that I held my nerves and yeah, it's an amazing feeling.'
Sinner was born in German-speaking San Candido, in northern Italy, near the border with Austria.
A career in professional tennis was not a given.
He was a champion skier as a youngster and still enjoys the sport in the off-season. He was also a keen footballer.
The right-hander, who stands at 1.91m, won his first title indoors in Sofia in 2020.
The 2024 season was his breakthrough year as he collected his first Grand Slam, the Australian Open, and followed up with seven other titles, including the US Open.
He became world No. 1 – and the first Italian to reach top spot – in June 2024.
Sinner's superpower is his extraordinary ability to stay calm on court.
'I know he's just 23 years of age, but sometimes it feels like he's much older and wiser than what we are,' said his coach Darren Cahill. 'He's an incredible young man.'
Sinner added: 'I don't think I'm at my best because at 23 I don't think you can be in your best shape ever. So hopefully I can keep improving.'
Sinner makes no secret of the fact that he loves the job he has chosen.
'I'm very lucky because tennis started off a hobby when I was young, and now it becomes my job,' he said.
'In my mind it's still a hobby. I love to go on court and just play. There is no better place to do it than in big stadiums with packed crowd.' AFP, REUTERS
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
23 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Russian strike on Ukraine's Dobropillia ravages busy town square
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Russia dropped a 500kg bomb on the Ukrainian town of Dobropillia, which is just 20km from the front line. KYIV - Russian airstrike on a central square in the front-line town of Dobropillia on July 16 killed one person and wounded more than 20, with more casualties feared trapped under the debris, authorities said. Russia fired hundreds of drones, artillery and a ballistic missile at Ukraine between late on July 15 and early on July 16, defying calls by US President Donald Trump to reach a peace deal. Mr Trump on July 14 threatened to impose severe sanctions against Moscow unless it reached a peace settlement within 50 days to end its three-year war on Ukraine. According to regional authorities, Russia dropped a 500kg bomb on Dobropillia, which is just 20km from the front line. 'Updated information on the shelling of person killed and 21 wounded,' Mr Vadym Filashkin, of the Donestk regional administration, said on social media. He added that the rush hour attack hit 54 shops and 13 buildings around the crowded square. 'It is likely that people are still trapped under the rubble, and the search for survivors continues.' Ukrainian and Russian officials last met for direct peace talks more than a month ago, and no further meetings have been scheduled despite the Kremlin saying it is open to contacts. Russia fired at least 400 drones at Ukraine between late on July 15 and early on July 16, as well as an Iskander ballistic missile launched from Ukraine's Russian-occupied Crimea peninsula, the Ukrainian air force said. The attacks killed one and left dozens injured on top of the Dobropillia toll, according to Ukrainian authorities. Russia has stepped up its summer campaign against Ukraine in recent weeks as Washington-mediated ceasefire talks stall. Its army has pushed ahead on the battlefield, while pounding Ukraine with drone, artillery and missile strikes. Mr Trump said July 14 he had struck a deal with Nato to supply more US air defence systems and weapons to Ukraine, citing his frustration with Russia's refusal to accept a ceasefire. AFP
CNA
an hour ago
- CNA
Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham undergoes successful shoulder surgery
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has successfully undergone surgery to address a long-standing shoulder dislocation issue, the Spanish club said on Wednesday. Bellingham has been managing the injury since 2023, playing with his shoulder strapped, but the 22-year-old decided to go under the knife after Real Madrid's campaign at the Club World Cup, where they lost to Paris St Germain in the semi-finals. "Bellingham will now undergo a period of rehabilitation, prior to returning to training and starting his recovery," Real Madrid said in a statement. The club did not give a timeline on his return but Spanish media reported the England international could miss two to three months of action and potentially return in October.
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham undergoes successful shoulder surgery
Find out what's new on ST website and app. FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Group H - RB Salzburg v Real Madrid - Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 26, 2025 Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham applauds fans after being substituted REUTERS/Lee Smith/File Photo Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has successfully undergone surgery to address a long-standing shoulder dislocation issue, the Spanish club said on Wednesday. Bellingham has been managing the injury since 2023, playing with his shoulder strapped, but the 22-year-old decided to go under the knife after Real Madrid's campaign at the Club World Cup, where they lost to Paris St Germain in the semi-finals. "Bellingham will now undergo a period of rehabilitation, prior to returning to training and starting his recovery," Real Madrid said in a statement. The club did not give a timeline on his return but Spanish media reported the England international could miss two to three months of action and potentially return in October. Real Madrid begin the new LaLiga season on August 19 with a home game against Osasuna. REUTERS
