Sinner celebrates No. 1 in his hometown: “I wanted to give something back to the people who helped me” | ATP Tour

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Sinner celebrates No. 1 at home: “I wanted to give something back to the people who helped me”

The Italian celebrated his latest achievement in his hometown

June 11, 2024

Jannik Sinner returned to his hometown of Sexten in northern Italy on Tuesday to continue celebrating his rise to number one in the PIF ATP Rankings. The 22-year-old was warmly received by a large contingent of media and local residents.

“It is always an incredible feeling to return to the place where I was born, where my family raised me. It’s always a special feeling,” Sinner said before the trip. “Coming home, I always have my memories in my head, going skiing and meeting friends to play when I was a child. “Always returning to that place is special.”

“It makes me feel at home, it makes me feel very happy where I come from and very proud. “To give something back to this beautiful place is truly amazing.”

Sinner became the first Italian singles player, male or female, to reach the top of tennis since the inception of computerized rankings in 1973.

“I think the reaction in Italy will be great. They gave me a lot of energy, especially in times when I was struggling. Sharing this moment with them and with all the people who support me is incredible,” said Sinner. “I was always looking forward to giving back to the people who helped me and sharing the success with them. And now I can share this world number 1, which is the ultimate goal of every player, with the entire country. It is one of the best feelings.”

The ⭐ are full of praise for him

After reaching world No. 1, 🇮🇹 @janniksin receive congratulatory messages from true locker room legends.

— ATP Tour in Spanish (@ATPTour_ES) June 11, 2024

The world number 1 was welcomed at a special welcome ceremony by local officials, including the mayor of Sexten, Thomas Summerer. Sinner signed in the golden book that his hometown only uses for the most special events. He was the first to sign it.

^{Photo: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour}
The superstar also visited Tennishalle Sexten, the tennis center where he started playing tennis. Sinner met with the many children who were there to greet him, answered questions from the crowd and also spoke to the media.