“I would do it again”: Jannik Sinner on sacrifices behind his rise to Wimbledon champion
ATPSunday, 28 June 2026 at 00:30
Jannik Sinner arrives at Wimbledon as defending champion and World No. 1, returning to the All England Club where he claimed his first title twelve months ago with victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the final. That win marked his consolidation at the top of men’s tennis and the start of a dominant stretch across the season.
His 2026 season has reinforced that position through sustained dominance on the ATP Tour. Sinner holds a 37–3 record this year, supported by a run of five consecutive Masters 1000 titles and a 30-match winning streak across all surfaces.
His preparation for Wimbledon has been more limited than usual. A second-round loss at Roland Garros to Juan Manuel Cerúndolo ended his clay swing, and he opted not to play any grass-court warm-up tournaments before arriving in London.
Some doubts still linger over his physical condition after the issues he suffered in Paris following the heatstroke that ultimately cost him the match against Cerúndolo, but Sinner remains calm about arriving in his best possible shape. He will begin his title defence against Miomir Kecmanović on Monday 29 June, opening his campaign without prior competitive matches on grass this season.
Wimbledon expectations and competitive reset
Speaking in a press conference in Italian ahead of his return, Sinner reflected on the specificity of Wimbledon and the difficulty of maintaining deep runs at the tournament. He also highlighted the importance of early-round rhythm in shaping performance across the fortnight.
"As I always say, every year is different. Every year has its own story,” the 2025 Wimbledon champion said. “I know how difficult it is to go deep in this tournament, how important it is to start well in order to gain confidence. It is the most beautiful tournament we have, the most prestigious, so having this experience throughout my life is very, very special."
The top seed of the tournament emphasised the importance of staying grounded and valued the time he spent away from competition after the early exit at Roland Garros.
The Italian positions himself as his main opponent in the event. "I do everything I can to be the best version of myself as a tennis player. More than anything, it is a competition between me and myself."
"I like challenging myself, I like learning new things. But it is also important to have a normal life off the court,” the 4-time Grand Slam champion added. “I really enjoy spending time with my family and with my friends. For me, that is the most important thing."
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Sacrifice and professional trajectory
Sinner also spoke about the long-term sacrifices required to reach the top of the sport, describing them as an accepted part of his development and success. "I have always made sacrifices. I have made many sacrifices to become the strongest possible player, but I also know that many things have to be put aside."
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“That said, even time with my family and friends, I have set everything aside, but I would do it again. That is because my dream was always to become a professional tennis player, and I have achieved that."
As he prepares to defend his Wimbledon title, Sinner’s position is defined by results already achieved this season. His opening match against Kecmanović will offer the first competitive reference point on grass in 2026.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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