“She always helped me when my parents were working” – Jannik Sinner recalls being on ailing aunt’s watch after dedicating US Open triumph to her
Jannik Sinner won the 2024 US Open title and dedicated the victory to his aunt, who's struggling with her health. He also recalled being on his aunt's watch as a child when his parents were away.
Sinner thumped American Taylor Fritz in the men's singles final on Sunday, September 8, to claim his second Grand Slam trophy. He hit 23 winners and broke Fritz's serve six times in two hours and 17 minutes to close the match 6-3, 6-4, 7-5.
In his victory speech, a watery-eyed Sinner remembered his ailing aunt and extended his recollection in the post-match presser later.
"My aunt, she’s a very important person because when my parents were working every day and all day so sometimes when I had to go to ski races, I went with her. She always helped me in summer time when my parents were working," Sinner said.
The World No. 1 noted that his aunt had been an important part of his life and reminisced about spending his free days in her company.
"I had some days off or free days. You know, when you’re young, you don’t go to practice every day. So, I hang around a lot with her and she’s very important person in my life," he added.
Jannik Sinner: "If I would have more time, I would spent more time with people I really care"
Further, in the same press conference at the US Open, Jannik Sinner drew parallels between his life on and off the court after coming out of a doping scandal.
"When I had difficult time, I tried to see it in a different way, you know, sports, things can happen unfortunately but the real life is nothing different," the 23-year-old said.
The Italian then regretted not being able to be in the company of his loved ones due to the travel on tour.
"We travel a lot so it’s difficult to spend time with the people who you really love. If I would have more time, for sure, I would spent more time with people I really care. It was and is a really difficult moment now but just also have to accept that everything is not perfect," he added.
Jannik Sinner will next travel to Beijing for the 2024 China Open. He will enter the tournament as the defending champion, having defeated Russia's Daniil Medvedev in last year's final.