Jannik Sinner Returns Home After Winning US Open; Delights Kids During Surprise Soccer Practice Visit in Italy

Jannik Sinner was recently caught on camera interacting with children in his native Italy. This heartwarming interaction came just days after Sinner won his maiden US Open title, marking the second Major of his career.

The World No. 1, hailing from the South Tyrol province in the Italian Alps, was all smiles as he met local children during a soccer training session. An avid soccer fan himself, Sinner used to play the sport recreationally before focusing on professional tennis. Watch Jannik Sinner delight kids in the town of Bruneck, South Tyrol, Italy, below:

Sinner’s Remarkable 2024 US Open Triumph

Sinner’s victory at the 2024 US Open was not just a display of his on-court prowess but also a testament to his mental fortitude. The triumph was especially remarkable given the controversy he faced during the tournament. News broke ahead of the US Open that Sinner had tested positive for a banned substance back in March, which sparked backlash and scrutiny. Despite the pressure, the reigning Australian Open champion remained focused on his game, acknowledging that the controversy weighed on his mind throughout the tournament.

Only Mackenzie McDonald (first round) and Daniil Medvedev (quarterfinals) managed to take sets off the Italian at Flushing Meadows. In the final, Sinner decisively defeated American favorite Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 to clinch the title.

An Emotional Dedication to His Ailing Aunt

After his victory, Sinner turned emotional during his post-match interview, dedicating his Grand Slam success to his aunt, who is gravely ill. He expressed his regret that people cannot remain healthy throughout their lives and shared his gratitude for being able to celebrate positive moments with his aunt.

“I would like to dedicate this title to my aunt because she is really not feeling well health-wise. I don’t know how much longer I still have her in my life. It’s so nice that I can share positive moments still with her. She was a very important person for my life and she still is. If there would be a biggest wish, I would wish everyone the best health, but unfortunately, it’s not possible,” Sinner said.

A Stellar Season for Jannik Sinner

2024 has already been a phenomenal year for Sinner. With a 55-5 win-loss record, he has secured two Majors, two ATP Masters 1000 titles in Miami and Cincinnati, and two ATP 500 titles in Rotterdam and Halle. Sinner’s incredible consistency has firmly established him as one of the top players in the world, and his success continues to inspire fans both on and off the court.