LONDON, July 24, 2025 – Jannik Sinner, the world number one and the first Italian to win Wimbledon, has shocked the tennis world with a two-page letter revealing his journey, his dreams, and his humanity. Published shortly before the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, the letter is an intimate confession that has moved fans, colleagues, and enthusiasts. In simple yet powerful words, Sinner writes: “I never thought I’d be in this position today. When you’re young, it’s the dream of dreams, and now I’m living my dream, and it’s incredible. I will continue to strive to become a better tennis player and, above all, a better person.” These words, spoken after his Wimbledon triumph, have resonated around the world, revealing the authentic face of a champion who never forgets his roots.
Born in San Candido, South Tyrol, on August 16, 2001, Sinner grew up in the Dolomites, where he learned to ski before even picking up a racket. Son of Hanspeter, a cook, and Siglinde, a waitress, Jannik instilled in his parents the values of discipline and humility. At 13, he left home to move to Bordighera and train at the Piatti Tennis Center, a choice that marked the beginning of his rise. “I have a very strong sense of duty,” he has said in the past, reflecting on his upbringing. “My parents taught me to finish what I start, no matter the cost.”
The letter, addressed to himself, is a summary of his extraordinary 2024 season, which saw him dominate with four Grand Slam titles (two Australian Opens, the US Open, and Wimbledon), three Masters 1000s, the ATP Finals, and two consecutive Davis Cups. Sinner reflects on the difficult moments, such as the media pressure and the controversy surrounding the Clostebol case, but also on the joy of realizing his dream. “Never forget that this is just a game and that you feel good when you’re having fun,” he advises, displaying a maturity beyond his 23 years.
His rise has been meteoric. In 2019, at just 17, he became the youngest Italian to win a Masters 1000-level match at the Internazionali d’Italia. In 2024, he reached the top of the ATP rankings, the first Italian to do so, and finished the year with a record of 73 wins out of 79 matches. His victory at Wimbledon 2025 against Carlos Alcaraz, his friend and rival, was the culmination of a journey that rewrote the history of Italian tennis. “The defeat in Paris was tough,” he wrote, referring to Roland Garros, “but it doesn’t matter how you win or lose, what matters is understanding what you did wrong and working on it.”
Sinner isn’t just a sporting phenomenon, but an example of resilience and authenticity. In the letter, he talks about the pressure that “you’re starting to like” and the need to stay true to himself. His simplicity shines through in his private life as well: he lives in Monte Carlo, loves playing cards with friends, and skiing in his native mountains. “I don’t need to show my life on social media,” he said, protecting his privacy and that of his loved ones.
The tennis world responded with an outpouring of affection. Boris Becker, three-time Wimbledon champion, called him “one of the next great champions.” His fans, the famous “Carrot Boys,” follow him around the world, celebrating his humility. Even Pope Leo XIV, when Sinner met in the Vatican, joked about his last name, calling him “a sinner who wins.”
With the Jannik Sinner Foundation, launched in 2025, the champion is committed to supporting education and sports for young people. “I want to be an example for kids,” he declared, emphasizing the importance of remaining a “child at heart.” His letter concludes with an invitation to dream big, a universal message that has touched the hearts of millions. “Playing tennis is a privilege,” he writes. “Smile, Jannik, and keep improving.” With these words, Sinner not only celebrates his triumph, but inspires a new generation to believe in their dreams.
