Before Jannik Sinner became a household name in tennis, he was carving through snow in the alpine town of San Candido, Italy. Born in 2001, Sinner began skiing at the age of three and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a national champion in giant slalom by eight. His early years were defined by precision, balance, and mental toughness—traits that would later serve him well on the tennis court.
The shift from skis to racquet
At thirteen, Sinner made a bold decision to leave skiing behind and pursue tennis full-time. Despite his success on the slopes, he was drawn to the complexity and rhythm of tennis. He began training under Riccardo Piatti, a coach known for developing elite players. Sinner’s skiing background gave him an edge in footwork and agility, allowing him to adapt quickly to the demands of professional tennis.
Rapid rise through the ranks
Sinner turned professional in 2018 at just sixteen. Within a year, he won his first ATP Challenger title and claimed victory at the Next Gen ATP Finals. By the end of 2019, he had cracked the ATP Top 100 and was named ATP Newcomer of the Year. His ascent was swift, marked by a calm demeanor and relentless work ethic.
Breakthrough moments and major wins
Between 2020 and 2024, Sinner evolved into one of the sport’s most formidable competitors. He reached the final of the Miami Open in 2021 and won his first Masters 1000 title in Toronto in 2023. That same year, he led Italy to its first Davis Cup win since 1976. In 2024, he captured both the Australian Open and US Open titles, added three more Masters trophies, and triumphed at the ATP Finals. These victories propelled him to the top of the world rankings, making him the first Italian man to achieve that feat.
Style of play shaped by his skiing roots
Sinner’s game is built on explosive power and surgical precision. His two-handed backhand and blistering forehand allow him to dominate from the baseline. His movement on court—fluid, balanced, and reactive—reflects years of navigating icy slopes. The mental discipline honed in skiing competitions translates into a composed presence during high-pressure matches.
Rivalries and resilience
One of the defining elements of Sinner’s career has been his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz. Their matches are intense, tactical battles that push both players to their limits. Sinner’s ability to bounce back from losses and adapt his strategy has made him a fan favorite and a respected figure among peers.
Looking ahead
At just 24, Jannik Sinner has already achieved milestones that many players spend a lifetime chasing. His journey from ski prodigy to Grand Slam champion is a story of bold choices, relentless pursuit, and quiet strength. As he continues to evolve, the tennis world watches with anticipation, knowing that his best may still be yet to come.
Sinner at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2025
Currently ranked no.1, Sinner has managed to achieve a compiled 36-4 win-loss record in 2025. The Italian is playing at the moment at the U.S. Open where he beat the world no.89 Vit Kopriva 6-1 6-1 6-2, the world no.36 Alexei Popyrin 6-3 6-2 6-2, the world no.29 Denis Shapovalov 5-7 6-4 6-3 6-3, the world no.24 Alexander Bublik 6-1 6-1 6-1 and the world no.10 Lorenzo Musetti 6-1 6-4 6-2.
Jannik Sinner will fight against the world no.27 Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semifinal on Friday at 7:00 pm on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Their record is 2-1 for Auger-Aliassime.
Jannik has won 2 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Sinner reached the final in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia), at the French Open and in Cincinnati (Cincinnati Open).
The Italian won 21 titles in his career: 10 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts, 8 on indoor courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)