"Wasn’t easy at first, I was bit different from everyone else" - Jannik Sinner on experiencing culture shock & criticism due to north Italian heritage

Jannik Sinner recently opened up about experiencing culture shock and criticism which stemmed due to his northern Italian heritage. He said that initially, navigating these challenges was difficult as he felt like an outsider among his peers.

Sinner was born in Innichen in the province of South Tyrol in Northern Italy and spent his formative years in the picturesque town of Sexten in the Dolomites. Growing up in a German-speaking region of Italy, he fluently speaks Italian, German, and English.

Recently while speaking to L'Équipe, Jannik Sinner opened up about the struggles and challenges he faced hailing from Northern Italy. He shared that initially, it was tough for him as he felt different from everyone else both on and off the court.

The 22-year old revealed that he found it hard adapting to the customs and habits, especially when he ventured to the south of Italy for training, where he learned the "Italian way" of living

“It’s true that it wasn’t easy at first. I was a bit different from everyone else, whether on or off the court. I come from a place where people go to bed early, while other Italians stay up late, a lot of things like that. When I went to the south of Italy to train, I learned that it’s the “Italian way,”” Sinner said (via Punto de Break).

The World No.1 stated that despite his learning all the things to assimilate himself with others, he has never compromised his true self to please others. He said that he only focuses on what works best for himself, his body, and those around him

Jannik Sinner also stated that he is unapologetically himself, acknowledging that not everyone may appreciate it. He firmly believes that staying true to who he is outweighs the opinions of people who "criticize" him.

“However, I’ve never tried to change to please anyone. I try to constantly learn about what works best for me, my body and the people around me. I am what I am: if people like who I am, great. If not, it is what it is. I’m not going to change because there are strangers who criticize me,” he added

Jannik Sinner: “Tennis is a very mental sport”

Jannik Sinner

At the aforementioned interview, Jannik Sinner talked about the importance of both the mental and physical aspects of tennis.

Reflecting on his younger years, Sinner said that he was a "nervous" player and that hindered his performance on the court . However, he said that since then he has dedicated himself to improving his mental game, pushing himself to the limit both mentally and physically

“When I was young, I was someone very nervous on the court. However, step by step you start to get to know yourself, to work on the mental aspect of tennis. You must go to the limit on a mental level, as well as on a physical level,” Sinner said (via Punto de Break).

The World No.1, also opened up about the mental fortitude that is required in tennis, and the need for players to maintain a strong mindset as to not reveal any weaknesses to their opponents.

“You must use all the tools you have learned and send a message to your opponent, 'You are going to have to be very strong to beat me.' And that goes beyond hitting your forehand and backhand well: tennis is a very mental sport,” he added.

Jannik Sinner is currently in London for the 2024 Wimbledon Championships and is the top seed in the tournament. He will kick off his campaign by going up against Yannick Hanfmann in the first round.