Jannik Sinner is set to make his much-awaited return to the court at the 2025 Italian Open after spending a three-month suspension, which ended on Sunday, May 4. The Italian’s parents, Hanspeter and Siglinde, were recently spotted together to support their son ahead of his campaign in Rome.
Jannik Sinner’s Parents, Hanspeter and Siglinde, Appear in Rome Ahead of Son’s Italian Open Campaign
Sinner tested positive for a banned substance, Clostebol, last year in March. According to evidence, he was exposed to the substance inadvertently when his injured physiotherapist treated him with bare hands. The World No. 1 was thus cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) of any wrongdoing.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), however, challenged the ruling in September last year, claiming that Jannik Sinner should bear some responsibility for his team member’s negligence. After reaching an agreement, the 23-year-old accepted the suspension in February, just weeks after his Australian Open triumph. As the ban ended, Sinner touched down in Rome to make his highly anticipated return at the Masters 1000 event.
Sinner has since practiced diligently in front of his home crowd at Foro Italico. The World No. 1, who has received a first-round bye, faces Argentina’s Mariano Navone in the second round on Saturday, May 10. Ahead of his opening match, his father, Hanspeter, and mother, Siglinde, joined him in Rome. They showed their support by attending his recent practice session with newly crowned Madrid Open champion Casper Ruud.
Che belli che sono 💕💞💖 pic.twitter.com/RTVmlrxRVQ
— Mags✨️🦊🪷 (@_Agata10_) May 8, 2025
Sinner’s father works as a chef in a restaurant in Italy’s Val Pusteria, and his mother worked as a waitress at the same restaurant. The three-time Grand Slam champion initially pursued skiing and was among the top junior skiers in his country. His father later recognized his potential and encouraged him to play tennis, considering the sport’s broader opportunities.
“I Was Lucky to Have Very Reserved Parents”: Jannik Sinner on Hanspeter and Siglinde
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia last year, Sinner credited his parents for supporting him unconditionally and letting him make his own choices, even in sports.
“I was lucky to have very reserved parents who always tried to give the best they could. I always had the freedom to choose, even in sports,” he said (translated from Italian).
Sinner stressed that his parents, despite his early success in skiing, never pressured him to continue. Instead, they prioritized his happiness above all else.
“I was much stronger at skiing, and maybe other parents would have told me to continue skiing instead of playing tennis,” he said. “Instead they made me try; told me that they would be happy if I was happy. If I am in this position today, it is only thanks to my parents.”
Sinner is unbeaten this season with a 7-0 win-loss record, thanks to his triumphant Australian Open campaign.