Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner recently opened up about his parents’ absence from the tour, offering a candid insight into his bond with them. The World No. 2 is currently competing at the ATP 500 event in Doha, where he advanced to the second round with a commanding straight-sets victory over Tomáš Macháč.
Jannik Sinner Gets Honest About His and His Parents’ Lifestyle As He Underscores Their ‘Relaxed’ Relationship
Sinner was raised by Johann and Siglinde Sinner, who built their life together long before their son became a global tennis star. The couple first met while working at the Talschlusshütte, a ski lodge in northern Italy.
Johann was employed as a chef in Val Pusteria, while Siglinde worked alongside him as a waitress at the same establishment. Over the years, the family established their own guest house, Haus Sinner. When he is not accompanying his son on tour, Johann continues to lend his expertise in the guest house’s restaurant.
Sinner has often spoken about the quiet sacrifices his parents made to support his rise in tennis. Coming from modest beginnings, they ensured he had every opportunity to chase his ambitions.
The Italian, who often underscores his parents’ role in his journey, recently had another opportunity to speak about their bond. Speaking to Tennis TV on media day ahead of the Qatar Open, Sinner emphasized that maturity has naturally changed how often he communicates with his family. While they may not speak every day, their bond remains strong, built on mutual trust and understanding.
“I’m not anymore 13 that I call them everyday. We have a very relaxed relationship, me and my parents, me and my brother also. We have times where we hear each other every second day, but there also times where for one week we don’t call each other because it’s also normal, you know? I have my lifestyle, they have theirs,” he said.
The four-time Grand Slam champion said he would appreciate his parents attending more tournaments, but understands their circumstances.
“I would love that my parents would come a little bit more to meet to the tournaments, but I also know the situation, it is what it is and I accept that. I believe they trust me enough to say ‘He’s mature enough, he can handle everything’. They also watch a lot of Winter Sport,” he added.
Despite the absence of his parents, Sinner remains determined to excel in Qatar and win his first title of the season. He will next face Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, marking their third encounter on tour, with their head-to-head currently tied at 1-1.
