Behind every successful athlete remains a silent support, motivating their journey in many ways. For ATP number one player Jannik Sinner, that support is his elder brother, the one he calls his “best friend.” While the fraternity remains mesmerized by the Italian player dominating the tour, his elder brother remains a mystery – rarely in the spotlight – yet deeply associated with his brother’s meteoric rise. So, who is the person Jannik Sinner holds so close? What role did he play in his brother’s career?

Sinner showed up to the ongoing Australian Open finals with steely determination and his eyes on the prize. And later today, he will compete against Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the Rod Laver Arena. Behind Sinner’s incredible growth lies the unfailing support of his parents, Hanspeter Sinner and Siglinde Sinner. But along with his parents, the ATP number-one star has one more pillar of strength in his life – his older brother Marc Sinner. Although not related by blood, their relationship showcases how some relationships are built on love and affection.

Sinner’s parents adopted his older brother Marc Sinner when he was nine months old. He originally hailed from Russia before coming to Italy 26 years ago. Rumors claimed that Sinner’s parents were told that they might not be able to have children, which influenced them to adopt Marc and bring him into their lives. This unique family connection shaped Jannik Sinner’s life. Reflecting on his equation with his brother, the Italian player once said, “At two and a half years old I started skiing because I saw him on the slopes. My brother was my first best friend, he was always sincere and direct. Today we don’t call each other often, but we are close in an incredible way. He always compliments me, even when I lose.” For those who don’t know, Jannik Sinner was a champion skier in his country in the 8 to 12 age group and still enjoys the sport in the off-season.

Although Sinner’s statement highlights how deeply he was influenced by his brother, Marc Sinner doesn’t play tennis professionally like his younger brother. Instead, he once revealed that he works at the Provincial Fire Prevention School in Vilpiano, North Italy, where he is a fire instructor. But despite pursuing different careers, Marc Sinner often attends tournaments and supports his brother from the player’s box!

For Sinner, this support fuels his hunger to win more tournaments. In an interview with Tg1 in 2023, Sinner said that whenever in trouble, he finds his brother’s guidance, who always tells him the truth. His words showcased an intense faith in his elder brother. “I feel very happy and grateful to have him, and even luckier that he is three years older than me,” concluded the ATP number one.

While Sinner often expresses his respect for his elder brother in words, Marc also takes great pride in Jannik, as seen in his heartwarming compliments for his younger sibling. He once revealed his brother’s personality as  “quiet” and “very calm” while mentioning the secret behind Jannik’s success: their parents letting them decide their careers. Besides that, Marc Sinner also reflected on his bond with his younger brother showing what a spontaneous and lively brotherhood they share.

“We argued, of course, but we made up immediately”- Marc Sinner on his bond with Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner’s growing fame has brought the spotlight on his family. Yet, little is known about them, because the Sinner family likes to keep it private. Despite that, the senior Sinner sibling reflected on his equation with his ATP number one brother in an interview with the Alto Adige Newspaper in November 2020 – proving that they’re just like any other sibling duo!

He started by calling his relationship with his brother “normal” like “most brothers” have. Then he added, “It happened that we argued, of course, but we made up immediately. We played tennis, I tried at least. For a few years I managed to keep up with him, then he took off and it was impossible even to exchange shots. On the court, as off, he has always been a very calm guy.” However, Marc’s pride for his younger brother is showcased even more when he confesses his happiness for Sinner’s career milestones. Together, they enjoy walking in the mountains and playing golf in their spare time. Distance and career goals haven’t separated the brothers as they connect via phone “almost daily.”

Jannik Sinner’s brother is another influential figure in the ATP star‘s life motivating him to challenge his pace and earn more career achievements. Marc Sinner’s steady support has helped Jannik understand the value of family. It also left a great moral conclusion for the fraternity: If one has the support of their family, then hardly anything can stop them from reaching their goals. Do you agree?