Karts, darkness, and cheering for Leclerc: all of Sinner's secrets

"Sleep is important to me. I usually sleep nine hours a night, with some light, not in total darkness. And I also sleep before matches; when you see me enter the court, I've usually been awake for about forty minutes. That's a good thing; other tennis players can't sleep before important matches, a problem I don't have. And when I can, I also like to wake up late."

Jannik Sinner opened up yesterday to tennis school students at the Nike store in downtown Turin . He spoke about his passions, sacrifices, emotions, and his life on and off the court. A frank and direct conversation with the youngsters. He was joined by his coaches Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill. The world number one shared a lighthearted and charming Q&A during the afternoon, moderated by Lisa Offside and Federico Russo.

Jannik usually uses the word "we" when discussing results, whether victories or defeats. It's only logical, then, to start with the team. A solid, united team. He describes it this way: "Darren and Simone are two coaches with a lot of passion. We're united by the desire to win, to work hard and well. We often share our free time, like when we went to play golf here in Turin. We have fun, we have a great relationship. That way you forget they're your coaches."

Laughter and jokes. Jannik, as we know, is a marvel among children. And he still mesmerizes them by talking about his team and the way they interact together off the court, so they don't step on each other's toes: " Our relationship strengthens when we're away at tournaments. We often prefer to rent a house, a way to experience the trips together. I really like it that way; we're a team."

Sometimes, however, pressure plays nasty tricks, as happened a couple of weeks ago in Paris during Sinner's semifinal match against Shelton: in the second set, Jannik gets angry with his side because they don't support him. An unprecedented incident, but with an explanation: "Tensions happen, it's normal. After all, I'm only 24 years old and sometimes I struggle to listen. Then I realize I made a mistake and apologize. I make a lot of mistakes. They are very important to me, even when things are going well, because they allow me to stay focused. And let's just say that, when needed, they can give me a real wake-up call."

A bewitched audience, Jan has no problem sharing his story. He admits a side of his character that's hard to imagine, given how accustomed we are to seeing him icy during matches: "I'm difficult, nervous, I need their support. What makes me angry? Losing and meeting people who aren't honest."

Words are like music to those who listen, and it's a group tune. The spotlight now turns to an amused Vagnozzi: there's talk of superstition, and Jannik isn't exempt either. "Recently," the coach reveals, "after a major win, I sent him the same message I'd sent him before the match for three weeks straight, every day." Would you have ever guessed? Superstition, the password (or one of the passwords) to access and turn on that computer that is Sinner on the pitch .

Yes, on the court. Because off it's a different story: karting, cars, skiing , and, as he said, sleeping. Parties? The few they do have can wait for the Finals verdict: "After winning in Paris, I immediately came to Turin, a special place." And now we're talking about what would have happened if (he hadn't become a tennis player): "I would have liked to drive a Formula One car, I'm still passionate about it. Who do I root for? Leclerc." But the tennis gods quickly snatched him up, and we're here to enjoy it. They ask him when he realized he'd become truly strong, he thinks about it and then reels off two decisive moments: "The first turning point was in 2023 when I beat Medvedev in Beijing, who had defeated me six times in a row, and then the success at the Australian Open. The first, in 2024." Jannik in his purest form for an afternoon the children won't forget. This morning, two hours of training with Carlitos Alcaraz: the show can begin.