Jannik Sinner paid a touching tribute to his parents following his Australian Open win and he gave more detail about the role they played in his career during the post-match press conference.
Shortly after lifting his maiden Grand Slam trophy, the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup, on the back of his superb five-set victory over Daniil Medvedev in the final, he told the crowd on Rod Laver Arena: “I wish everyone could have my parents because they always let me choose whatever I wanted to, even when I was younger.
“I made also some other sports and they never put pressure on me, and I wish this freedom is possible for as many young kids as possible. Thank you so much to my parents.”
Later on he was asked to share more about how important his parents have been to his success and he took journalists through his journey as a youngster as he revealed how he had to “grow up quite fast”, but managed to deal with everything that was thrown at him thanks to the love of his parents.
“I don’t see them so often, unfortunately, but when I see them it’s always great time (smiling),” the Italian replied.
“I went away from home when I was 14 years old. So I had to grow up quite fast, trying to cook for myself, trying to make laundry. You know, the first times it is different, you know, but then in the other way, that was maybe the fastest way to grow up.
“I think for me was tough, but for the parents to leave their son of 14 years old, it’s also not easy. They always gave me, they never put pressure on myself, which for me is maybe the key why I’m here today. I’m a very quite relaxed man, who just enjoys to play tennis. I’m 22 years old, so I also enjoy to do normal stuff.
“And that’s it. They are the perfect parents. Obviously, I know only them but they are awesome. And also my brother, he brings me honesty throughout the whole career I’m going through.”
After leaving home at the age of 14, Sinner was playing regularly on the ITF Men’s Circuit and the ATP Challenger Tour three years later.
He won the biggest title of his career at the Next Gen ATP Finals just months after turning 18 and in 2020 he won his maiden ATP Tour singles title.
The trophies and accolades started to stream in after that and 2023 was the year he really started to deliver on his early promise as he won his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title and beat the likes of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.
On January 28, 2024, he finally delivered the big one at the 2024 Australian Open.