Jannik Sinner, a name that almost every member of the tennis community is consistently hearing, is on a massive rise. Be it his exceptional performance throughout the season or the doping controversy, things are being discussed about him on a recurring basis. While fans see a bit of his persona on and off the court, the locker room stories are generally hidden from them. American ATP star Alex Michelsen recently changed that stepping forward to shed light on it.

“I’ve played Sinner twice. I was close in Cincinnati, and at the US Open, he completely beat me,” said Alex Michelsen recently reacting on his matches against the world No. 1. Michelsen also shared a memorable interaction with Jannik Sinner in the Cincinnati locker room. “I remember we talked a lot because, obviously, he won that tournament. And I was actually there for doubles, and I got to the final. So I saw him every day in the locker room. And we chatted. He told me I was apologizing too much because I tried to test him. He knew I was taking it out on him. And he said, ‘That’s a nice move, don’t apologize.’ He’s actually a super nice guy. Unfortunately, I’m 0-2 against him. But I guess it’s okay because he’s the No. 1 player in the world.”

Sinner’s performance at the US Open turned out to be world class. He advanced to the third round by defeating Michelsen in a dominant way – registered a 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 win at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The match lasted just 99 minutes as the Italian star converted eight of his 16 break-point opportunities. This victory marked Sinner’s second meeting with Michelson following his last victory against him in Cincinnati en route to winning the title.

What’s been truly magnificent is that Sinner maintained his form even amid ongoing discussions about his doping case – as he capped off the year with victories in ATP Finals and Laver Cup. The International Tennis Integrity Agency revealed that Sinner tested positive twice for an anabolic agent in March. However, he avoided a ban after it was concluded he was not at fault. Despite the controversy, Sinner continues to shine.

While Jannik Sinner’s on-court nature has everyone praising him, the Italian’s off-court style has also caught people’s attention. Talking about the same, his teammate Matteo Berrettini revealed how the world number 1 is off the court.

Jannik Sinner’s off-court nature revealed by teammate Matteo Berrettini

Matteo Berrettini offered a glimpse into Jannik Sinner’s off-court personality – especially in the fashion world. During a post-match press conference, the former World No. 6 praised his countryman’s relaxed attitude. He described it as a defining trait. “I think everybody has a different style,” Berrettini said, highlighting their contrasting personalities. “Definitely we are different personalities. Not good or bad; just different.”

Berrettini didn’t shy away from joking about Sinner’s laid-back approach, saying that the young Italian prefers to keep things simple regarding fashion choices. “He’s so funny because all the time he says, ‘They’re telling me what to wear, and I wear it,’” Berrettini revealed with a laugh.

Berrettini emphasized that Sinner’s easygoing attitude is a part of his charm. “I think that’s his strength. He really is so natural,” he said. “You can see that he doesn’t really—not that he doesn’t care, but he goes with the flow. I think that’s his main strength in this thing,” said Berrettini.

Through his remarks, Berrettini not only shed light on Sinner’s nature but also suggested the simplicity that sets him apart in the tennis world and beyond. The Italian is truly winning hearts both on and off the court. What do you think?