A few days ago, the world of tennis witnessed a historical moment in the ATP rankings! Jannik Sinner became the first Italian player to secure a place in the top ranking, overthrowing the G.O.A.T. of tennis, Novak Djokovic. Therefore, currently, the 21-year-old is not only a No. 1 Italian player but also an ATP World No. 1 athlete as well! “It means a lot to me,” the Australian Open Champion said after achieving this great feat. However, revealing his thoughts on the matter, a humble-natured Sinner also confessed why this does not change anything for him.

During his French Open tournament, Jannik Sinner made a jump from World No. 2 to No. 1 as Djokovic withdrew from the quarterfinals of the event owing to his knee injuries. The 22-year-old player, who is currently preparing for his upcoming Halle Open event, recently appeared in an interview with Tennis TV, discussing his feelings over the matter. A clip of that interview is released on Tennis TV’s official account on X. In that video, the interviewer asked him, “You have had so many messages from former players from all kinds of people, any messages that stand out the most?”

Jannik Sinner admitted that a message from his idol, Roger Federer, brought him joy and that he would love to show his gratitude to all the former number ones. Continuing his statement after that, he also confessed, “Me and my family and my people who I love, the friends we are always the same. It is just an achievement. Obviously, everyone is happy and I am very lucky that I can share these things with them. But otherwise, I am the same person as I was 1 year ago or 2 years ago.”

The World No. 1, who spent most of his time with his grandparents as a kid, previously admitted how he misses his home in Italy. As both his parents work in a restaurant in Italy, their busy schedules do not allow them to attend all of their son’s tournaments. Although his father was present in the Indian Wells tournament, they couldn’t make it to his next events. Hence, Sinner, who left home to pursue his dream of playing tennis at the age of 13, once said, “I miss personally a little bit the time with my parents.” However, on-court, his achievements spoke volumes. With 13 singles titles to his name, he became one of the first players born in the 2000s to reach the top 10 ranking. But off the court, his family is his priority.

Therefore, after achieving his career-best results, he went back to Rome to celebrate it with his family. “I just love to spend time with them doing something different going on Go Kart or playing cards or whatever and that’s where I feel very good,” he further added in that interview. As a result, Sinner, who struggled with his hip injuries and fitness previously, remains grounded and focused on moving forward in the season with the love of his family. As he progresses in the season, he is more excited than ever!

Jannik Sinner expresses optimism ahead of the Wimbledon Championships

After battling in the Halle Open, the Miami Open champion will soon set foot in Wimbledon, a place where he has previously played three times. Among those times, he produced his best result last year, as he reached the semifinals of the event for the first time. However, Djokovic defeated him in all three sets of the match. This year, the scenario is quite different. Sinner has already had three titles to his name so far, while Djokovic, struggling with his form, has none. 

Will fans encounter another one of their matches this year? Only time will tell. However, Sinner, excited about his upcoming match recently said, “I’m looking forward to it. I mean, last year I had a great Wimbledon, so let’s see what I can do this year.” As the season progresses, expectations from Jannik Sinner is rising too. But Sinner, humble as ever, is focused on his match rather than continuing to bask in the glory of his success.