Jannik Sinner is chasing history on the Parisian clay, but he recently revealed his latest off-court obsession. Alongside his brother back home in northern Italy, Sinner has been into the colossal LEGO Eiffel Tower. After his first-round match in Paris, when asked about his hobby, which Iga Świątek also shares, Sinner joked that, for now, he would rather focus on a career Grand Slam.
Jannik Sinner Downplays LEGO Trend to Prioritize French Open Title Run
To get himself in the proper mood for the French Open, Sinner spent a few days relaxing in northern Italy following his victory at the Italian Open. It was there that he and his brother began constructing the nearly 5-foot-tall LEGO Eiffel Tower.
“We tried to finish it. We couldn’t. Because they are always the same pieces together. So at some point it’s very boring,” Sinner told the Parisian crowd with a laugh. “But you know we are not far away, so I know after this tournament I go back home and then I’m going to send you guys a picture when it’s finished. Hopefully, if we don’t miss any pieces.”
During the US Open, he famously walked into a New York LEGO store, bought a model Porsche, and completed it in just five hours. It seems he needed a bigger challenge with the staggering 10,001-piece Eiffel Tower.
Sinner’s LEGO hobby naturally drew comparisons to another notorious LEGO enthusiast in tennis: Świątek.
The Pole’s love for LEGO is famous. It was her sports psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, who introduced her to the toys as a way to improve cognitive reaction times and de-stress away from the tour. Świątek has fully embraced the hobby, and last year, LEGO gifted her a replica of Court Philippe-Chatrier, in reference to her four title wins at the French Open, plus miniature versions of her team and cat, Grappa.
During a press conference on Tuesday, a reporter attempted to bridge the gap between the two’s shared hobbies, asking Sinner: “Iga Świątek received the whole stadium in LEGO to build. Is that something you wish to receive as well?”
“Well, I… [laughter] of course I would be happy, but at the same time I try to focus, you know, playing tennis,” Sinner replied, lightheartedly shutting down any distractions. “I can’t complain. But as I said before, I’m very happy to be back here. So, thanks for the support and see you in the next round.”
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After his win over 171st-ranked French Wild Card Clement Tabur in straight sets (6-1, 6-3, 6-4), which extended his jaw-dropping winning streak to 30 consecutive matches, Sinner will face Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round, chasing the only major trophy missing from his resume. Having already secured two Australian Opens, one Wimbledon, and one US Open title, hoisting the Roland-Garros trophy would officially cement his Career Grand Slam.
Last year, in the Roland Garros final, Sinner lost an epic five-set battle to Carlos Alcaraz after missing three match points. With Alcaraz currently sidelined due to a right wrist injury, Sinner is the obvious favorite.
