Jannik Sinner spoke exclusively about his break. © TENNIS AUSTRALIA / MORGAN HANCOCK

“Wasn’t happy”: Sinner opens his heart

Jannik Sinner's three-month ban expires on Sunday. The world No. 1 will return to the tennis stage next week at the Masters in Rome. Prior to the tournament, Sinner gave an exclusive interview in which he spoke openly about his emotional state like rarely before.

29 April 2025

From: dl

Jannik Sinner is the sports star par excellence in Italy: At prime time on Tuesday evening on Rai1 an exclusive interview with the 23-year-old South Tyrolean. In this half hour Sinner spoke in his adopted home of Monte Carlo about...

...his return to Rome: "There's no better place for a comeback. The Masters in Rome is a special tournament for me. I miss the competition and the pressure. But at the same time, I also miss the match practice. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to Rome and can hardly wait. In Rome or Turin, the atmosphere feels like a football stadium to me."

Next week, Sinner returns to the tennis stage in Rome. © APA/afp / TIZIANA FABI

...his emotional state: "I'm feeling better now. It was hard for me to accept the three months. I talked a lot with my lawyer. Then we accepted the suspension. Other things also happened off the pitch that I didn't expect. It's important for me to know what happened. Everyone can think what they want."

“The players suddenly looked at me differently than before.” Jannik Sinner

...moments when he wanted to give up everything: "Yes, there were. I wasn't feeling well before the Australian Open this year. The players also looked at me differently than before. I'm someone who likes to joke around with other players on the tour. That was the first time I started to think about how people would perceive me differently. That's why I considered taking a break."

... all his successes: "Sporting-wise, everything was going great. But I no longer felt happy on the pitch. I lost the joy of playing because I always had these thoughts in the background. Thankfully, I had a lot of people in the background who helped me. My team, my family, and those close to me. I couldn't have done it without them."

“I no longer felt comfortable and happy on the pitch.” Jannik Sinner

...the way to number 1: "Becoming world number 1 was special. It was an extraordinary moment for me. It's not just a title win, but more. But you have to be willing to give up a lot and suffer along the way. Of course, you need talent, but also luck not to get injured."

... his tennis talent: "Even as a boy, I noticed that I could keep up with everyone else, despite having fewer training hours than the others. I ultimately chose tennis because I enjoyed it more than skiing. My parents then made it possible for me."

Sinner's family (here his father Hanspeter) is his great support. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

...Insights from the difficult times: "There's a life off the court. Fans only see the tennis player. But my private and family life are even more important to me."

...his adopted home of Monte Carlo: "I feel very comfortable here and have peace and quiet. Everything I need for training is there, including the best partners. The weather is great. It's simply perfect here."

...another career dream: "I always wanted to be a Formula 1 driver. I love cars."