Jannik Sinner‘s Miami Open victory is quite special, but still leaves an incomplete void in his heart. While receiving all the attention from the tennis world, it would have been amazing for the 22-year-old tennis player to have his parents around. On that note, he recently spoke about the reason behind his parents being unable to attend his historic tennis matches live.

During a press conference, Sinner explained how the constant traveling from one tournament to another is one of the biggest reasons for their absence. But at the same time, he displayed maturity with a statement regarding how, even after not spending much time with each other, it’s all good for him and his family.

“I left home when I was 13, 14” – Jannik Sinner gets emotional about missing his family time 

The Grand Slam champion, after defeating Grigor Dimitrov, clearly highlighted how he and his parents live their own lives and can only travel to certain tournaments due to their responsibilities towards his grandparents. He said, “They won’t travel much, at least until now. I know them, so I also have grandma and grandpa, which they have a certain age now which they want to stay close to. We have the family at that home. They live in a beautiful place, so they have a good life there.” 

However, the Italian tennis player’s father was seen supporting his son in person during the Indian Wells Masters, but neither of his parents was present during the whole Miami Open campaign. Sinner also highlighted how his parents might cheer up for him in person during the tournaments in Rome and Vienna, even if he participates in Turin.

Sinner added, “For sure I miss personally a little bit the time with my parents, because I left home when I was 13, 14. So I haven’t had so much time with them. Hopefully I can make this up in the future, but, I mean, for me it’s more important if they are happy.” 

While the little child inside him still misses his parents, at the same time, the mature athlete inside him has the trust that he can build up for everything in the future with a better outlook. However, do you know it was not easy for him to leave his family and house behind at the age of 13?

When Sinner ‘started crying’ after leaving his family for tennis 

In a conversation with Vanity Fair, the Italian tennis player recalled his first memory of leaving his house behind, at the age of 13. He said, “It was tough for them (my parents) too. I was 13 and a half years old, and the truth is that as soon as I got there I started crying, I called them after two hours.” 

On the other hand, he recalled how there was a point when he started crying unconditionally because he was missing them, putting his parents in tough conditions themselves. He added, “They must have thought, ‘Here, we have to go get him’. Instead, I told him to be calm, that everything was fine.” Moreover, Sinner shares a great equation with his parents even after being away from them to pursue his tennis dream.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Sinner’s distance from his family? Let us know in the comment section below.

ALSO READ: Indian Wells 2024: Jannik Sinner’s Act of Chivalry Leaves Ball Girl Blushing in Adorable Scenes