Outside the walls of the Via Sant’Andrea courtyard where I meet Jannik Sinner—a four-time Grand Slam champion and the world’s number two tennis player—the city’s excited energy is building. More mascot-branded Sprinters appear by the hour, and visitors draped in their national flags move with a spring in their step, weaving through the Milanese crowd.

Yet Sinner seems completely relaxed. He’s dressed in baggy black jeans, a pocket chain, and a unique Nike ACG vest that can be inflated or deflated depending on the temperature (U.S. athletes will wear a version of it on the medal stands in Milano Cortina). “What I love about Jannik is that he’s not loud, but powerful,” says Martin Lotti, Nike’s chief design officer, as we watch Sinner pose for photos. “I feel that extends to every part of who he is.”

Sinner isn’t competing in these Games, though that wasn’t always a given. Many may not know that he won Italy’s junior national championship in giant slalom skiing at eight and was a national runner-up again at eleven. He switched to tennis full-time at thirteen, leaving one to wonder how far he might have gone if he’d stuck with racing instead.

Honoring his winter sports roots and his upbringing in the Dolomites, Sinner is also an ambassador and volunteer for these Olympics. Here, he speaks with Vogue about growing up as a kid in Northern Italy on the mountains—and which skiers he’s following now.

Vogue: What’s your relationship with skiing these days? Do you still get out on the slopes?

Jannik Sinner: It’s an interesting relationship. When I’m home in the winter, I really love to go. But I started getting very careful about four or five years ago… I had to make sure nothing happened. Before that, I wasn’t mature enough, I think. I began to realize injuries can happen really fast. Of course, I still watch and follow a lot of skiing.

That’s cool. So you still keep up with it?

I do, of course. I really love it—there are some great Italian athletes. But for me, I’m definitely going less and less. Simply because you can get hurt, and you never know what might happen.

With your skiing background, is there anything you miss or miss being able to do?

I’d say the adrenaline. Honestly, that’s the only thing I really miss. Skiing has a different kind of pressure, though. You have to perform well without really knowing where you stand. In tennis, you have a lot of control because you always know the score. Sometimes you can play at 80% just to get through—that’s enough for the day. But skiing isn’t like that at all. You just go, and you have no idea until it’s over.

I hadn’t thought about that. You have nothing to compare yourself to, nothing to calibrate against. You just have to go full-throttle.

Yes. So there’s this pressure, and for me, that turned into a lot of doubts. Maybe I enjoyed the competition part a little less because of it. But what I miss, for sure, is the adrenaline. I miss going fast.

You mentioned Italian skiers you’re watching. Is there anyone in particular you’re a fan of or friends with?

Lately, I’ve been in touch with Giovanni Franzoni. He’s my age, and we used to race together. It’s nice to reconnect.

I’ve been thinking about Lindsey Vonn skiing through a torn ACL. That mentality… it’s incredible to me.

Yes, I’m good friends with Lindsey. I’d say the greatest athletes have a lot of courage.

Back in your skiing days, what did you find most challenging?

Where I’m from, we’re lucky—I open the door and the slope is right there. So skiing came naturally. It’s like people who live by the sea go swimming; for us, it’s the same with snow.If you’re a good skier from where we’re from, you’re not just good in Italy—you’re good anywhere in the world. Tennis isn’t like that. What started to get to me was the time commitment… you can put in so much time, and then it can all be over in an instant. I really struggled with the mindset that one mistake can cost you everything. In tennis, you can make mistake after mistake and still stay in the match. There are so many more chances to turn things around.

When I was young, I won a lot in skiing. I never won anything in tennis. I think I wanted to build toward that—toward winning at something different.

When you stop by and have the time, what do you like to do in Milan?

To be honest, I don’t know Milan very well. But I really connected with the city in 2019, when I won the Next Gen ATP Finals here. I’m an AC Milan fan. I have my favorite restaurants here too, but they’re always changing—it’s a big city, so there’s always something new to try.

How long are you staying?

Just a few days, actually. Then I’m heading home to Monaco before traveling to North America for Indian Wells and Miami.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Jannik Sinner and his involvement with the Winter Games based on the statement provided

FAQs Jannik Sinner The Winter Games

Beginner General Questions

1 Wait isnt Jannik Sinner a tennis player What does he have to do with the Winter Games
Yes Jannik Sinner is a worldclass tennis champion The statement is a playful scenario imagining where a passionate Italian skier like him would be during a Winter Olympics in Italy He wouldnt be competing but supporting as a fan

2 Where exactly would he be cheering for the home team
He would most likely be in the stands at various Winter Olympic venues in Italy such as ski jumping alpine skiing or crosscountry events cheering on the Italian athletes

3 Has Italy hosted the Winter Games before
Yes Italy has hosted the Winter Olympics three times Cortina dAmpezzo in 1956 Turin in 2006 and MilanCortina in 2026

4 Is Jannik Sinner actually a skiing enthusiast
Yes Sinner is famously from the Germanspeaking region of South Tyrol in the Italian Alps He was a topranked junior skier before switching to tennis at age 13 He remains an excellent skier and a huge fan of winter sports

Advanced Detailed Questions

5 Could Jannik Sinner have been an Olympic skier
Its a fascinating what if Given his junior success and athletic talent many believe he had the potential to reach a high level in skiing His decision to pursue tennis clearly worked out but the athletic crossover is a big part of his story

6 What role might he play in the MilanCortina 2026 Olympics
While not confirmed its highly plausible he could be involved as a highprofile ambassador torchbearer or simply a celebrated spectator His story embodies the regions winter sports culture

7 Why is this connection between a tennis star and the Winter Games so highlighted
It perfectly blends Italys two sporting passions Sinner represents Italys current global sports success while the Winter Games showcase its alpine heritage He is the ideal symbolic bridge between them