Jannik Sinner is heading into the ATP Finals in a happy mindset. Despite facing the shadows of a doping controversy, he remains determined to overcome challenges. He has won a total of seven titles this season and has maintained his No.1 ranking since June! Surely there’s a secret to it. But it’s as simple as having the right company for Sinner. Especially as he prepares for the final tournament of his impressive season.

In an interview with Vogue, the Italian shared his highlight of the 2024 season: winning the Australian Open. He triumphed over Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling match on January 28, with a score of 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. This victory marked his first Grand Slam title. Reflecting on that moment, he said, “My first big title, in Australia, my first Grand Slam. Why? Because… because I won.”

What stands out for Sinner is not just the title but the joy of sharing that moment with his parents. While many recalled watching the Italian falling backward on the court in celebration after delivering the final shot to Medvedev, Sinner cherishes the memory of seeing his parents happy after his win. “Just seeing them happy and spending some time with them. I don’t have so much time with my parents, so it was a very nice moment,” he said. Being on the road can be tough for players due to fatigue and homesickness. And naturally, one would assume Sinner’s relationship with his girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya adds another layer to this challenge, as it’s tough to give each other time with such a busy schedule.

However, on November 9, he mentioned that his relationship has remained stable since it began this year. The tennis couple only confirmed their relationship at the French Open this year. Fans have been elated to see their interactions, notably the kiss they shared after Sinner won the US Open against Taylor Fritz in September. When asked about Kalinskaya’s impact on his season, he stated, “I don’t think anything has changed. Having a girlfriend is something that either makes you feel good or makes you feel bad. I want it to be something that feels very natural.” Sinner emphasized that he doesn’t want to change himself as a player or a person, which is why their relationship works.

So clearly, it’s a mix of personal memories and professional aspirations for Sinner, as he gears up for the ATP Finals, ready to face whatever comes his way. Even with the doping controversy hanging over his head, Sinner has still managed to find a positive outlook on the situation!

Sinner reveals what is most important to him during the downs of the tour

In March, Sinner tested positive for Clostebol after his former physiotherapist applied a spray on his own wounds before giving Sinner a massage without gloves. Although the ITIA cleared him of any wrongdoing, WADA is appealing for a fair trial. As he awaits the final verdict from Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), Sinner remains optimistic, ahead of competing in his home country. “Turin is always special, this year even more so. Many more people are involved in tennis and it’s nice that it is so,” he shared with the press before the tournament commenced.

Despite the pressure of the ongoing controversy, Jannik Sinner has adapted well. “I’ve already been in this position three times this year. It’s all been going very well so far,” he noted. However, he acknowledged that “playing with this situation is not optimal.” The controversy gained traction just before the US Open, but Sinner maintained his composure, winning two tournaments and finishing as runner-up in another one since then. His resilience was on display at the Shanghai Masters, where he defeated Novak Djokovic to secure his seventh title of the season.

At the Lavazza 2025 presentation on November 7th, Sinner discussed balancing mental and physical health amid a hectic schedule. He emphasized that athletes are not machines but people striving for their best every day. “I’m putting a lot of effort into always making improvements,” he stated. He also noted the most important factor to keep him going, “To do this, I need people around me who help me feel good.”

As he prepares for his first match against Alex de Minaur at the ATP Finals, his focus remains on improvement and leveraging home support to achieve victory. Will he add another title to his tally and make those close to him proud? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!