The foothills of the Dolomite mountains, a region more synonymous with skiing than professional tennis, served as the unlikely proving ground for Jannik Sinner, now the world's number one male tennis player. His journey commenced in Sexten, a picturesque village near the Austrian border, where street signs are presented in both Italian and German, and a strong German dialect prevails among residents. This tranquil setting, described as a place 'where champions are born' by a local indoor tennis centre, belied the intensity of the ambition that would later define Sinner's career.
Sinner's early sporting prowess was diverse. He excelled on the ski slopes, earning a runner-up position in the junior national giant slalom championships. His talent extended to football, where he demonstrated an instinctive ability with both feet. However, it was tennis that progressively captured his focus. His first coach, family friend Andreas Schönegger, who had introduced Sinner to skiing, began tennis lessons when Sinner was just four years old. Schönegger recalls a slight child with remarkable technique, whose red hair even led some to mistake him for a girl at his initial tournaments.
The dedication of Sinner's parents, particularly his father Hanspeter, a chef who sometimes worked 14-hour shifts before practising with his son, played a crucial role. Sinner himself showed an extraordinary commitment from a young age, often staying after group lessons to refine his footwork and groundstrokes. This early discipline hinted at the future champion he would become, even as he was often the smallest player in his training groups.
A pivotal moment arrived when Sinner was just 13 and a half. He made the significant decision to leave his mountain home and move 400 miles south to the renowned Piatti Tennis Centre in Bordighera, on the Italian Riviera. This coastal town, starkly different from Sexten with its absence of snow and prevalence of Italian, represented a complete change of environment. Riccardo Piatti, the centre's founder, initially expressed reservations about Sinner's age, but the young player's determination, supported by his parents, ultimately convinced him.
The transition was challenging for Sinner, who admitted to struggling with the physical demands of full-time training, having previously been a part-time player. His Italian was limited, and English even more so. Despite these difficulties, he embraced the experience, viewing it as crucial for his personal growth. He resided with a Croatian family to maintain a semblance of normal life, a connection he has maintained throughout his ascent in professional tennis. This period of intense training and personal sacrifice laid the groundwork for his eventual rise to the pinnacle of world tennis.