The Athletic provides live coverage of Day 3 of the 2025 U.S. Open, a significant event in the tennis calendar. Early June was a challenging time for rising star Jannik Sinner, who faced a heart-wrenching defeat in the French Open final. After squandering three match points in the fourth set, he ultimately lost to his fierce rival, Carlos Alcaraz, in a nail-biting fifth-set tiebreak. This defeat could have left lasting psychological scars, but Sinner chose to retreat to his roots.
Seeking solace, Sinner returned to Sesto, a quaint Alpine village in northeastern Italy where he grew up. Surrounded by family, including his parents and grandfather, he found comfort in familiar surroundings. Five weeks later, Sinner made a remarkable comeback, clinching the Wimbledon title against Alcaraz after dropping the first set, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Winning Wimbledon is a transformative experience, often elevating athletes to a state of euphoria. Sinner, a tall and charismatic 24-year-old, has already amassed a fortune in prize money and endorsements, but he values the simple joys of life. He returned home to sleep in his brother’s old room, indulging in family activities like card games and golf with his father, who works as a chef. “We take success and defeat the same way,” Sinner remarked in an interview at the Cincinnati Open. “The most important thing is that we are healthy and having a nice time together.”
Throughout tennis history, champions have adopted various personas, from party-loving celebrities to fashion icons. However, Jannik Sinner remains grounded, embodying the persona of a humble athlete. He is the son of a chef and a waitress, striving to maintain his simplicity despite his fame. His coach, Simone Vagnozzi, emphasizes the importance of a champion's mentality, stating, “The champion’s mentality is going out in the difficult situation.”
Last August, Sinner faced one of the toughest moments in his career when he was embroiled in an anti-doping investigation. After testing positive for clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid, the situation threatened to derail his career. However, an independent tribunal cleared him of wrongdoing, attributing the positive tests to his physiotherapist's use of a contaminated cream. Sinner was deemed to have "no fault or negligence," allowing him to continue competing.
Despite the turmoil, Sinner won the U.S. Open two weeks after the investigation was made public. Reflecting on the experience, he described the tournament as a dark journey, highlighting the mental toll of the situation. Though he emerged victorious, the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the decision, seeking a two-year ban. After a tense six-month ordeal, Sinner accepted a three-month suspension, allowing him to continue his career.
As he prepares for the U.S. Open, Sinner acknowledges the stark contrast to the previous year’s stress. “Last year was a much more stressful situation because of the timing before a Grand Slam,” he noted. His parents, who have always prioritized their son’s tennis career, remain back home in Italy, focused on their daily lives. While many athletes have their families courtside for support, Sinner's parents often miss out due to work commitments.
Jannik Sinner’s journey from a young boy in Sesto to a Wimbledon champion reflects his growth not just as an athlete but as a person. With a history of struggling under pressure, he has learned to embrace the sport’s ups and downs. “It’s just a tennis match,” he reassures his mother, who often experiences stress watching him compete. This calm mindset has been crucial in navigating the high-stakes world of professional tennis.
With significant strides in his performance, Sinner has become more adaptable on the court. His coaching team, including Darren Cahill, emphasizes a data-driven approach to enhance his game. They focus on technical improvements, such as increasing the power of his serve and the variety of his shots. This methodical preparation has proven successful, allowing Sinner to excel against formidable opponents.
As Jannik Sinner approaches the 2025 U.S. Open, he does so with a renewed sense of purpose and resilience. His experiences—both triumphant and challenging—have shaped him into a formidable competitor. Whether he wins or loses, Sinner remains committed to returning to his roots in Sesto, where the love and support of his family await. In a sport filled with pressures and expectations, this balance keeps him grounded as he carves his path in the world of tennis.
