On June 4, 2024, a major development unfolded at the French Open as defending champion and top seed Novak Djokovic withdrew due to a knee injury. This unexpected turn of events not only saddened fans but also significantly altered the landscape of men’s tennis rankings.
Djokovic’s withdrawal meant he could not defend his Roland Garros title, opening up opportunities for other competitors. Among those who stepped into the spotlight was Italian player Jannik Sinner.
Jannik Sinner
Sinner showcased impressive form in this year’s French Open, defeating Grigor Dimitrov in the quarterfinals with scores of 6-2, 6-4, 7-6(3), securing his first semifinal appearance at a Grand Slam. This victory extended his winning streak at majors to 12 matches and brought him an unforeseen bonus – with Djokovic’s exit, Sinner confirmed that he would ascend to the top of the ATP World Rankings next week, becoming the 29th player in ATP history to hold the No. 1 spot.
This milestone achievement holds great significance for Sinner, as he becomes the first Italian man to reach world No. 1 in tennis, etching a new chapter in Italian tennis history. Having started his professional career in 2017, Sinner made an extraordinary leap from No. 551 to the summit in just seven years.
Sinner’s success is no coincidence; he possesses exceptional skills and strong mental fortitude. On court, he displays tenacity and excellent tactical execution. His serve and baseline game are both formidable, creating significant pressure on opponents. Additionally, he demonstrates remarkable adaptability, performing at a high level across different surfaces and conditions.
Nonetheless, Sinner’s journey to the top has not been without challenges and setbacks. Over the past seasons, he faced adversity but remained dedicated to tennis, continually improving his game. Now, his dreams have come true, and he stands as the new king of men’s tennis.
Sinner wins his first Grand Slam title at the 2024 Australian Open
In the last year, Sinner reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon, captured his maiden Masters 1000 title in Toronto, followed by back-to-back ATP 500 victories at the China Open and Vienna. He also advanced to the Nitto ATP Finals final. The Italian carried his form into 2024, defeating three top-10 players – Rublev, Djokovic, and Medvedev – en route to his first major title at the Australian Open, becoming the first Italian to win the singles trophy in Melbourne. Following his triumph, Sinner claimed the Rotterdam title and the Miami Masters crown. On clay, the Italian reached the Monte Carlo Masters semifinals, Madrid Masters quarterfinals, and his first French Open semifinal, securing the ATP World No. 1 position.
For Sinner, becoming world No. 1 marks a new beginning. He will face more challenges and pressures, needing to maintain his form and level. In future competitions, he will contend fiercely with other top players, treating fans to thrilling encounters.
Sinner’s success inspires younger athletes to pursue their dreams. He demonstrates that with unwavering belief and relentless effort, one can thrive in tennis. Under Sinner’s leadership, Italian tennis is poised for an even brighter future.
In the upcoming French Open semifinal, Sinner will face Carlos Alcaraz, while Ruud, Zverev, and de Minaur battle for a spot in the final from the upper half of the draw. One of these five will emerge as a new French Open men’s singles champion!
Jannik Sinner (born August 16, 2001, in San Candido, Italy) began playing tennis at age 7, influenced by his father. From ages 8 to 12, Sinner achieved some skiing accomplishments, including being crowned the Italian junior skiing champion. Even after focusing on tennis at 14, he continued to ski during winter breaks. Sinner has mentioned that skiing remains one of his favorite sports, and he enjoys it during his time off.
At 13, Sinner chose tennis as his path. Since the summer of 2015, at age 14, he started training at the Riccardo Piatti Tennis Center, where he had the opportunity to train alongside Djokovic. Sinner’s parents have been immensely supportive, allowing him to choose his passion without coercion or pressure, giving him the freedom to explore what he loves.