Jannik Sinner: Tennis was never first sport for US Open champion, it was...

NEW DELHI: Jannik Sinner’s 2024 US Open triumph on Sunday marked a major milestone in his tennis career, as he claimed his second Grand Slam title of the year.
The 22-year-old Italian defeated Taylor Fritz in a straight-set victory, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5, ending a 21-year wait for an American male champion at the majors.
Sinner’s historic win also made him the first Italian man to conquer the US Open, following his Australian Open success earlier in the year.

Sinner’s rise in tennis is as unique as it is inspiring. However, before he was known for his powerful forehands and quick reflexes on the court, he was flying down the slopes of the Italian Alps.
Growing up in the mountainous South Tyrol region, Sinner was a highly skilled skier, excelling in both slalom and giant slalom.

His early years were spent mastering the art of skiing, competing in national junior events, and often securing first place in numerous competitions within his age category, where his balance and precision were key to his success.
Skiing also instilled in him a strong mental focus, something that would later become an asset in his tennis career.
At the age of 13, Sinner made a pivotal decision—choosing tennis over skiing. He relocated across Italy to train under the guidance of renowned coach Riccardo Piatti, in what proved to be a game-changing move.

Piatti quickly recognized Sinner’s proactive, aggressive style, which stood out for someone so young. "He hit the ball fast, always aiming to win the points," Piatti once remarked, noting that Sinner’s fearless mindset was a trait not commonly seen in junior players.
Sinner himself credits his skiing background for shaping his mental approach to tennis. Just as in skiing, where each race lasts mere seconds and requires total focus, tennis demanded the same kind of short bursts of concentration.
"In both skiing and tennis, he knows when to focus and when to relax," Piatti explained, drawing parallels between the two sports that have shaped Sinner’s rise.
From being ranked 870th just two years ago to reaching the world number one spot in 2024, Sinner’s ascent has been meteoric. His calm under pressure and relentless drive to improve have made him a formidable force on the court.