"I recommend staying away from it: it's nicer to meet someone for a coffee" - Jannik Sinner warns younger generation over social media

Jannik Sinner has been cruelly prevented from the chance of competing and defending his ATP Finals crown. The five-time Grand Slam champion has kept himself busy while away from the court, speaking to some of his fans in his native Italy as the tennis goes on without him in Turin.

The 2024 and 2025 champion will be forced to watch from the sidelines as eight of the best ATP players target one of the biggest titles the sport has to offer.

They will be relieved that Sinner will not be included in proceedings. His indoor hardcourt form has been marvelled at by many, taking down the best players in the world on a regular basis. He should be back in action at the start of 2027, targeting a return at the Australian Open with his big rival, Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning champion.

For the time being, the 25-year-old is completing a number of commitments away from the court, and that includes speaking to a number of young fans at an event held at the Nike store on Via Roma in Turin. Accompanied by former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini, the two Italian legends in their respected sports entertained and addressed the young fans who came out to see them.

Social media was a big part of the discussion. It can be a wretched place at times for big sports talents, with the weight of the world on their shoulders and the barrage of hate threatened to be directed their way not a nice prospect.

Sinner spoke some wise and experienced words on this topic. As one of the best tennis players in the world, he has been forced to go through this process, with there having been a lot of attention on him throughout his career.

"Social media is a very important part of life," he said in words collected by SpazioTennis. "You can use it in a positive way, but there are many negative aspects. I recommend staying away from it: it's nicer to meet someone for a coffee. For me, social media is secondary, but everyone has their own perspective."

Not fully going against the use of social media with it being such an important part of many people's lives, but to be wary and educated is something that many sportsmen and women need to be aware of.

Sinner last stepped onto the court at Wimbledon. He had won five consecutive Masters 1000 titles before a stunning collapse at Roland Garros in the second round against Juan Manuel Cerundolo would prove to be his last defeat of the season.

He defended his title at SW19 against Alexander Zverev but would fall a cropper to an annoying knee injury that pestered him and prevented a swift return to action. Tournaments continued to be withdrawn from, and eventually he made the choice to abandon this season and move onto the next.

This meant forfeiting his ATP Finals crown, something he was frustrated about with the chance for more glory on home soil relinquished from him. "I've always felt good in Turin, it's my favourite indoor hard court: when I step on court, I always want to give it my all. I feel like I'm not just playing for myself, but also for the kids and for the entire country," he commented.

He also reminisced on the moment when he became a tennis player. Despite being talented in many sports, he opted to go down the tennis route, and has been heavily rewarded for all his hard work and commitment.

"It was impossible to imagine all this, I never thought I'd reach these levels," he stated. "I played football and skied, I lived my youth quietly with friends. The greatest victory is choosing what you like best, you can't control the result but you can control the fun."