“I’m still surprised sometimes” – Sinner on superstardom at home
The Italian has been imperial since the start of the ATP Finals and can count on the support of his home crowd in Turin, who have cheered him on all along
Jannik Sinner – ATP Finals 2024
Image Credit: FITP Photos
Jannik Sinner‘s face is plastered on all the advertising posters in Turin; there are tons of orange Carota Boys t-shirts on sale; and the Inalpi Arena has been transformed into a home ground for the world No 1. Sinner is playing at home in Italy this week, his fans are cheering him on the favour and the two are feeding off each other.
The Italian won his first two matches at the ATP Finals, against Alex de Minaur on Sunday and then Taylor Fritz on Tuesday, to take a big step towards the semi-finals. He will face Daniil Medvedev on Thursday in his last group match. Enough to delight the home fans.
In a press conference after his victory against Fritz, the world No 1, who is playing his first tournament as the world’s best player in Italy, is still amazed by the enormous support he gets in Italy.
“I’m surprised. I mean, I’m just a 23-year-old man who just plays tennis,” Sinner told the media in Turin after his win on Tuesday. “I had some sponsors, and the headquarter is from here, like Lavazza and Intesa. I love the families of my sponsors and I love the connection I have with them. Playing in Italy for an Italian, it’s very, very special. I never, as I said before, take things granted. I’m still surprised sometimes. It’s not that it’s all normal. But I try to get used to it. I’m just trying to play some good tennis on the court, which that’s why is the reason why I’m here for.”
The crowd is amazing. They stand with you in good or in bad.
This year, Sinner had to miss the Rome Masters, the only tournament scheduled in Italy before the ATP Finals on the ATP Tour, due to his hip injury. In Turin, he is making up for lost time.
“It’s Italy. The crowd is amazing. They stand with you in good or in bad. I like that. I haven’t played Rome, which for me was a tough one to call, but I was not ready physically. But now I’m here after 12 months. I really enjoy it. It’s like I never take these chances for granted. This is a bit different tournament than all the others because you have to qualify for it. Already you have a good standing by qualifying for it. Every match is tough.”
And even if the Italian can no longer go to a restaurant for a meal peacefully, he is only seeing the positive side.
“The people, they love the sport here. They are expecting the tennis player here. Of course, there are people outside of the hotel waiting for us when we come out. It’s a very warm welcome for all of us. I enjoy it personally. It’s something different as all the other tournaments. I don’t go out in restaurants to eat this week because I’m mostly here trying to practice or trying to rest in the hotel. It’s a very special week for all of us eight. The Italian crowd is something what they really love the sport. This week is about tennis. Usually in Italy it’s about football, so… They are just very passionate fans,” Sinner said.
