Home, sweet home: Sinner celebrates World No. 1 in 'special' hometown visit

Home, sweet home.

Jannik Sinner returned to his hometown of Sexten in northern Italy Tuesday to continue the celebration of his ascent to No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings. The 22-year-old was warmly received by a large contingent of media and local residents.

“It’s always an amazing feeling going back where I was born, where my family raised me. It’s always a special feeling,” Sinner said ahead of the trip. “Coming home, I always have my memories in my head, going to ski and seeing myself with friends playing as a little kid and child. Always coming back to that place is special.

“It makes me feel home, it makes me feel very happy where I am from and very proud. Giving something back to this beautiful place, it’s something truly amazing.”

Sinner became the first Italian singles player, man or woman, to reach the pinnacle of tennis since the inception of computerised rankings in 1973.

“I think the reaction in Italy will be great. They gave me so much energy, especially in the moments where I was struggling. Sharing this moment with them and with all the people who support me, it’s amazing,” Sinner said. “I was always looking forward to giving something back to the people who helped me and share success with them. And now I can share this World No. 1, which is the ultimate goal for every player, with the whole country. It’s one of the best feelings.”

The No.1 club called, and the former No.1’s are so glad you answered, Jannik ❤️

Hard work and perseverance got him here, and now the legends of the game unite to welcome their newest member🥇#S1NNER | #PIF | #ATPRankings | #partner pic.twitter.com/Ko1nd6Ij8t

— ATP Tour (@atptour) June 10, 2024

The World No. 1 was received at a special welcome ceremony by local officials including Sexten mayor Thomas Summerer. Sinner signed the golden book of his hometown, which the town only uses for the most special events. He was the first to sign it.

<img src="/-/media/images/news/2024/06/11/20/31/sinner-world-no-1-sexten.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="Jannik Sinner” />
^{Photo Credit: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour}
The superstar also visited Tennishalle Sexten, the tennis centre where he first began to play tennis. Sinner met with the many kids there to greet him, answered questions for the crowd and also spoke to the media.

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