Jannik Sinner, beyond the pitch » The Italian talked about how he relaxes, who inspires him, what his childhood was like + how what happened to him in the doping case changed him
Article by Roxana Fleşeru – Published Tuesday, 19 May 2026 21:09 / Updated Tuesday, 19 May 2026 21:39
Jannik Sinner (24 years old, 1 ATP) gave an extensive interview to L'Equipe Magazine, in which he touched on topics he doesn't talk about at press conferences.
Jannik Sinner is the main favorite to win the trophy at Roland Garros (May 24-June 7), especially since he is unbeaten in the clay season and last year's champion Carlos Alcaraz is absent.
The Italian is the man of the moment in men's tennis and was the hero of an extensive profile in L'Equipe Magazine, in which French journalists tried to penetrate beyond the mask displayed by Sinner on court. “I have the image of an emotionless player, but that's because I'm very focused on what I have to do,” Sinner said.
He admitted that there are plenty of storms going on in his mind during matches, but he tries not to show his opponents what's going on with him.
Jannik Sinner and his childhood spent with his grandparents
Jannik Sinner was challenged to talk about his childhood in the village of Sesto with his German-speaking parents Siglinde and Johann. “When I was a child, I only saw my parents in the evening and very early in the morning, because they were at the restaurant all day. When I came home from school, I would go to my grandparents to eat, and then I had to change quickly to go to training, soccer, skiing or tennis. There are a lot of things I had to do on my own and I really think that helped me grow.” he told.
He then added: “What impressed me about my parents was that no matter what happened at the restaurant, no matter how hard it was, they always had a smile on their face when they got home. It was impossible to tell if they had a good day or a bad day, and that's the attitude I try to adopt. In tennis, we have good days and bad days, that's how it is. But when I get off the court, I'm a normal person again and I try to be happy with what I have. To live in the moment, without looking too far back or into the future, giving my best: that's what I learned from my parents,” he emphasized.
Jannik Sinner's parents PHOTO Imago Images
However, Jannik left home when he was only 13, to Ricardo Piatti's academy, knowing very little Italian, and then, at 18, he settled in Monte-Carlo.
“I chose Monaco because of the peace and quiet that I find here: here I can go to restaurants or shopping without anyone paying attention to me and that's exactly what I need. I also have to say that the facilities – tennis courts, gyms – are perfect. Not to mention many very high level players who made the same choice as me and who are all potential training partners,” explained Sinner.
He then continued: “Of course, I miss my family. My grandparents are getting old and I wish I could visit them more often. But if I had stayed to train at home, I wouldn't have had the optimal conditions to become the best player possible.”
Jannik Sinner watched Lindsey Vonn when he was little
Jannik Sinner also recalled watching Lindsey Vonn on TV as a child, and now says she became friends with her. He was asked how she felt about her decision to compete in the Olympics, despite already having an injury, and then suffering a more serious one. Sinner appreciated the courage of the American.
Lindsey Vonn, one of the best skiers in history/Photo: Getty Images
“He tried everything, he will have no regrets, that's the most important thing. It was a very difficult moment, for her friends, her team, her family, for everyone. And for Lindsey, of course. But she always tries to see the bright side of things, even in the darkest moments of her career and her life in general. And that's something that inspires me a lot”Sinner testified.
People recognize you, that's just the way it is. But I try to live my life as normal as possible. I am happy with what I have, especially happy that I am healthy. The life I've chosen requires sacrifices, but it's also a matter of balance: I'll only be 24 once and I'm trying to enjoy it, have fun off the pitch. And I think that balance is pretty good. I have a wonderful group of friends, the same ones for a long time, and people by my side who take care of me – Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner, golf, cars and video games
The world leader and recent winner in Rome revealed to the quoted source how he relaxes. “We tend to spend a lot of time on social media. Putting my phone away for three or four hours and being in nature is something that makes me feel good,” Sinner revealed.
But what relaxes him the most is still being alone behind the wheel of his car, where he feels like he's in his own bubble and no one can touch him. “Sometimes when I finish my workout, I get in my car and go for a twenty, thirty minute ride with some music. It's one of the things I really like,” Sinner revealed. The Italian is also passionate about video games, including EA Sports FC and Fortnite.
does he read “I have my periods, but I like to read the press, because I think it's important to know what's going on in the world. When I have the chance, I happily buy La Gazzetta dello Sport. I skip the tennis pages, because I already know what's going on, but I read about football. It is a very important sport in Italy”, Sinner said.
Jannik Sinner would like people to know him beyond tennis. “On the field I'm very serious because I'm very focused. But off the field, I can be funny. I like to joke around.”
Jannik Sinner: “I realized who my real friends are”
The discussion turned serious when journalist Yann Soudé asked Sinner about his doping case, although his publicists had advised him that he had nothing more to say and to avoid the subject.
Jannik Sinner has won just one Grand Slam since returning from three-month doping ban, Wimbledon 2025 PHOTO Guliver/GettyImages
Jannik Sinner was asked how what he went through changed him. “I wouldn't say it changed me necessarily. But it made me realize one or two things. It was a hard episode to live with, because I had to pay the price for a mistake that wasn't mine. Then one morning I woke up with the idea of turning everything into something positive. I first took advantage of the time I spent with my family. Then I went back to work, spending a lot of time in the weight room. When I came back to the circuit in May 2025. I just wanted to enjoy the moment. I played excellent tennis after that.” he replied.
Then he added: “What was hard, especially, were the months leading up to my suspension. Because I couldn't tell anyone about it. I looked very sad on the pitch and I was. I believe that nothing is accidental. And I am convinced that all this has made me a stronger person. I understood who my real friends are, and that helped me,” Sinner concluded.
