Jannik Sinner, the world’s number one tennis player, recently faced a tough defeat against Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open 2025 final. In a post-match press conference, Sinner revealed the important role his family plays in helping him cope with the loss, and explained why his father was absent from the historic match. This article delves into Sinner’s relationship with his family, their unwavering support, and their grounded approach to his success.
Leaning on Family After a Grueling Final
The French Open 2025 final was a grueling five-hour and 29-minute battle, marking it as the longest French Open final in the Open Era and the second-longest Grand Slam final ever played. Despite a strong start, Sinner ultimately lost to Alcaraz in a thrilling five-set match.
Following the emotional defeat, Sinner expressed his gratitude for his family’s support. “My family, the people who know me… now they are helping, you know [smiling]. It’s a giving sometimes. And sometimes you take something. Now it’s my time to take something from the close people I have. They will for sure be happy that I’ll come back home,” Sinner said.
Sinner’s ability to lean on his family during difficult times highlights the importance of strong personal connections in the high-pressure world of professional sports. Their support provides him with a sense of normalcy and helps him to stay grounded amidst the fame and demands of his career.
A Simple Family Values
Sinner comes from a humble background. His parents, Johann and Siglinde Sinner, worked at a ski lodge in Sexten, Italy, with Johann as a chef and Siglinde as a waitress. They instilled in him a strong work ethic and a down-to-earth perspective.
Despite Sinner’s massive success, his family maintains a simple lifestyle. “With my family, with everyone. We are just a very simple family,” Sinner explained. This simplicity is a core value that keeps him grounded and focused on his goals.
Father’s Absence Due to Work Commitment
One notable absence from Sinner’s player box during the French Open final was his father, Johann. Sinner explained that his father was unable to attend due to work commitments. “My dad was not here because he was working today,” Sinner said. “Nothing of our success changes in the family.”
Johann Sinner continues to work as a chef in the mountains, demonstrating the family’s commitment to their normal lives despite Jannik’s fame and fortune. Sinner added, “It was nice to see my mom here. And yeah, I guess my dad, he was watching on TV if he finished work. So it’s okay.”
This highlights the family’s practical and unpretentious approach to success. While his mother was present to offer emotional support, his father’s dedication to his job underscores their commitment to maintaining a sense of normalcy.
Mother’s Emotional Support
While his father was working, Sinner’s mother, Siglinde, was present in the stands, offering her unwavering support. Cameras captured her anxious reactions throughout the intense match, particularly as her son squandered three match points in the fourth set.
Siglinde’s emotional investment in her son’s career is evident, and her presence at the final provided Jannik with a sense of comfort and encouragement. Despite the pressure of watching her son compete at the highest level, she bravely cheered him on.
Early Life and Career
Born on August 16, 2001, in Innichen, South Tyrol, Italy, Jannik Sinner’s parents initially influenced him to pursue skiing. He was a national giant slalom runner-up by the age of eight. However, at 13, Sinner decided to switch to tennis, a decision his parents supported wholeheartedly.
When Sinner was 14, he moved to Bordighera on the Italian Riviera to train at the Piatti Tennis Center. This move required him to grow up quickly, learning to cook and do laundry for himself. Sinner has often expressed his gratitude to his parents for allowing him to pursue his dreams at such a young age.
Family Support Through the Years
Sinner’s family has consistently been a source of support throughout his career. In his early years, his parents were frequently present at his matches. However, as his career progressed, they chose to stay closer to home to care for his grandparents.
Despite their reduced travel, their support remains unwavering. Sinner has often spoken about the sacrifices his family has made for his career, and he cherishes the moments when they can be together.
The Miami Open and Family Priorities
After winning the Miami Open in April 2024, Sinner addressed his parents’ absence from the tournament, explaining that they preferred to stay close to home to care for his grandparents. “They won’t travel much, at least [for] now. I know them, so I also have my grandma and grandpa, which they [are] a certain age now [so my parents] want to stay close,” Sinner said. “We have the family at home. They live in a beautiful place, so they have a good life there.”
This decision highlights the family’s strong values and their commitment to prioritizing family needs above all else. Sinner understands and respects their choice, recognizing the importance of family bonds.
Sinner’s Grounded Perspective
Sinner’s grounded perspective is a reflection of his upbringing and the values instilled in him by his parents. Despite his success, he remains humble and focused on his goals.
“Parents and the people who are close to you come before everything else,” Sinner said after a match in 2024, emphasizing the importance of family in his life. His coach, Simone Vignozi, has also noted the wonderful nature of Sinner’s parents, highlighting their lack of involvement in the technical aspects of tennis and their simple enjoyment of the tournament experience.
Looking Ahead
Following his heartbreaking loss at the French Open, Sinner is now focused on the grass swing, with Wimbledon on the horizon. He is set to compete in a warm-up tournament before heading to London.
With the support of his family, Sinner is determined to bounce back from this defeat and continue his pursuit of Grand Slam titles. His resilience and unwavering spirit, combined with the love and support of his family, will undoubtedly drive him forward.
Key Moments of 2024-2025
- Australian Open 2024: Sinner won his first Grand Slam title, defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final.
- Miami Open 2024: Sinner won his second Masters 1000 title, defeating Grigor Dimitrov in the final and reaching a career-high ranking of World No. 2.
- French Open 2025: Sinner reached the final but lost to Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller.
- Ascension to World No. 1: Sinner became the first Italian player to reach the number one ranking in the ATP.
Conclusion
Jannik Sinner’s journey to the top of the tennis world is a testament to his talent, hard work, and the unwavering support of his family. Despite the recent heartbreaking loss at the French Open, Sinner remains grounded and focused, drawing strength from his family’s love and simple values.
His father’s absence from the final due to work commitments underscores the family’s commitment to normalcy, while his mother’s emotional presence highlights their unwavering support. As Sinner moves forward in his career, he will undoubtedly continue to lean on his family for guidance and inspiration, embodying the values they have instilled in him since childhood.
Other Articles
No Comment! Be the first one.