Before Sinner took the global tennis stage by storm, he was carving up the slopes in the Italian Alps. Born on August 16, 2001, in the mountain town of San Candido, he began skiing at just three years old and was a national champion in giant slalom by the age of eight.
But at 13 years old, Sinner decided to trade his skis for a racquet and commit fully to tennis. He began training under renowned coach Riccardo Piatti, who had previously worked with Novak Djokovic.
His alpine skiing background, however, did not go to waste. Sinner brought with him a unique set of skills that he had been crafting since he was three years old, abilities that once made him a standout skier. A combination of balance, footwork, and mental toughness, qualities that would soon define his cool, calculated style on the court.
The story of the rise of Jannik Sinner
Fast forward three years, Sinner turned professional in 2018 at just 16 years old, starting his journey on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Futures circuit. The following year proved to be his breakthrough: in 2019, he claimed his first ATP Challenger title, won the prestigious Next Gen ATP Finals, and cracked the ATP Top 100 rankings.
His remarkable progress earned him the ATP Newcomer of the Year award, finishing the season ranked No. 78 in the world.
Jannik Sinner's rise to the top: 2020–2024
Between 2020 and 2024, Jannik Sinner transformed from a rising talent into a dominant force at the top of men's tennis. In 2021, he broke into the ATP Top 10 and reached the final of the Miami Open, signaling his arrival among the sport’s elite.
By 2023, he lost in the final of the Miami Open to Ben Shelton, he captured his first Masters 1000 title in Toronto, and led Italy to its first Davis Cup victory since 1976, while securing huge wins over Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, which added another chapter in the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry.
Then came 2024, a historic season. Sinner claimed both the Australian Open and US Open titles, added three more Masters crowns, and triumphed at the ATP Finals. His achievements earned him the ATP Player of the Year honor and made him the first Italian man ever to reach the #1 spot in the world rankings.
Sinner's playstyle: Precision meets power
Jannik Sinner’s playstyle is defined by cool precision, explosive power, and tactical maturity well beyond his years. Known for his calm demeanor under pressure, Sinner combines a devastating two-handed backhand with his blistering forehand, allowing him to dictate points from the baseline.
Cue the unique set of skills from competitive skiing mentioned earlier: His footwork and movement, honed during his years as a competitive skier, give him exceptional balance and court coverage. Statistically, he ranks among the leaders in return games won and baseline consistency, often outlasting even the most seasoned opponents in long rallies.
What sets him apart is not just his power, but his ability to stay composed, smart shot selection, and being able to turn defense into offense with ease.
Skiing roots, global impact: Sinner’s story is just beginning
Jannik Sinner’s journey from the snow-covered Italian Alps to the summit of the tennis world is more than just a compelling origin story; it’s a testament to his vision, discipline, and raw talent. His decision to leave behind a promising skiing career at just 13 may have seemed bold at the time, but in hindsight, it was the first step in crafting one of the most unique trajectories in modern tennis.
With several Grand Slam victories under his belt already, an ATP No. 1 ranking, and a style of play that blends power with poise, Sinner is redefining what dominance looks like on the court. And at just 23 years old, his ascent may be only beginning. As tennis is transitioning into a younger generation, Jannik Sinner isn’t just part of the future; he may very well be leading it.