Jannik Sinner is currently one of the best players in the world of men’s tennis but he believes part of his rise has been aided by another sport.
The world No.4 was a promising skier during his younger years and idolised American downhill champion Bode Miller. In his native Italy, he finished runner-up in a national Giant Slalom race for juniors. He was considered as a promising prospect in the winter sport but opted to switch to tennis in his early teens. Leaving his town home town of Innichen to train with Riccardo Piatti at the age of 13.
The switch has paid off for Sinner who became the first player from his country to win the Australian Open singles title earlier this year. Now hoping to add to his Grand Slam title tally and dethrone Novak Djokovic from the top of the rankings in the future, the 22-year-old believes his time as a skier has helped enhance his mentality on the tennis court.
“It (Skiing) brings me a little bit of balance because of the sliding (on the court). But I think the biggest thing was mentally,” he said during an interview with Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS).
“I did a couple of races in downhill and I would never do it again because I was scared. I was a specialist in slalom and giant slalom but in downhill you know if you make a mistake you can hurt yourself. Or with the pace, you have to jump 30 or 40 meters, it’s tough.’
“Then in tennis, nothing can really happen. When you have break points, I like to go for it because you can’t hurt yourself.”
Sinner returns to the court this week at the Rotterdam Open for the first time since his success in Melbourne Park. His popularity has surged with one report noting that his Instagram following has increased by more than 800,000. He has received praise from numerous figures, including the Pope, and held a meeting with the Prime minister of his country.
However, Sinner has vowed to stay grounded and keep working hard. A work ethic he links to his upbringing.
“I’m really hardworking. If I have to be in the gym at five, I am in the gym,” he said.
“You live a great moment where you can say thanks to everyone but in another way, you go back to practice and start from zero again. Now here is a new tournament and hopefully I can play some good tennis.”
Sinner’s opening match in Rotterdam will take place on Tuesday against Botic van de Zandschulp.
