It is a gloomy day for Jannik Sinner. Despite winning two Grand Slams this season, the Italian is left with a heavy heart. Days after dedicating his US Open title to his aunt, he lost one of the most special people in his life. Acknowledging how this loss is irreversible, Sinner’s supporters express concerns about the ATP star’s mental health. Will this loss take a heavy toll on the Italian?

The Sinner family is mourning the loss of Meggi Rauchegger, Jannik’s aunt, who passed away at 56 following an illness. Rauchegger, Sinner’s mother’s sister, was pivotal in the ATP number one’s upbringing, care, and support throughout his childhood. After clinching the US Open title, Sinner expressed a close bond with his aunt, revealing how her illness had impacted him. While Sinner’s supporters and the tennis fraternity showered the player with countless prayers for his aunt, the 2024 US Open winner faced one of the most terrible days of his life on September 21.

“We will accompany our dear Meggi on Tuesday, September 24th at 1:45 p.m. From the hospital church to the parish church of Villabassa for the farewell service. The burial of the urn will take place at a later time in the closest circle of family and friends,” wrote Sinner’s family revealing the details of Rauchegge’s last rites.

His aunt’s presence had been a great source of motivation for the Italian throughout his personal and professional life. He once spoke about how his aunt took him to ski races when his parents were busy working. At that moment, his frustrations about being unable to spend time with family due to hectic scheduling were also revealed. “We travel a lot so it’s difficult to spend time with the people who you really love. If I would have more time, for sure, I would spent more time with people I really care,” he said. Despite Sinner’s prayers, his aunt left the mortal world.

For Sinner, Aunt Meggi wasn’t just a close relative but a source of tremendous support. When he won his first US Open title this season, he paid tribute not to his parents, but to this special woman in his life.

Jannik Sinner dedicated his 2024 US Open title to his aunt

Our ATP number one has always mentioned how his hard-working parents made his dream of becoming a tennis player come true. However, he never forgot to highlight the importance of his aunt, who supported his wishes in childhood. Remembering that special bond, Sinner dedicated his Flushing Meadows trophy to Maggi and said, “I would like to dedicate this title to my aunt because she is really not feeling well health-wise. I don’t know how much longer I still have her in my life.”

Sinner also delved deeper into why he made this special gesture for one of his family members. “It’s so nice that I can share positive moments still with her. She was a very important person for my life and she still is. If there would be a biggest wish, I would wish everyone the best health, but unfortunately, it’s not possible,” he said expressing his desire to see his aunt recovering. However, things took a sad turn and Sinner lost this special person of his life.

Jannik Sinner might have won two Grand Slams this season, but it wasn’t the most memorable year of his life. It is always hard to say goodbye to someone close, and when it is a family member, it is harder beyond imagination. Despite Sinner’s intense prayers, he lost his aunt. While it may take a toll on him, the tennis fraternity offers him love, support, and best wishes to move forward.