Jannik Sinner’s brilliant 2024 season has captivated fans and led to a surge in the sport’s popularity in Italy.
These are the observations of former world No.33 Paolo Lorenzi, who featured on this week’s episode of The Sit-Down podcast in his role as the new Rome tournament director.
LISTEN: Paolo Lorenzi on The Sit-Down
Just two months after leading Italy to its first Davis Cup title in 47 years, Sinner emerged triumphant at Australian Open 2024, beating three straight top-five opponents – Andrey Rublev, Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev – to win his first major title.
He has risen to world No.2 after continuing that sizzling start to the season. After leaving Australia he scooped titles in Rotterdam and Miami, plus reached semifinals at Indian Wells and Monte Carlo.
The 22-year-old has won 28 of his 30 matches so far this season, and Lorenzi has witnessed the impact of Sinner’s success in his homeland.
"Everyone in Italy is watching Sinner,” Lorenzi said. “A Jannik Sinner match is like a football match in Italy, and this one has almost never happened in the last 30 years.
SINNER, WINNER: Italian takes first major at AO 2024
“When Sinner is playing, you have the live score, whatever, in every news site in Italy, online. Everyone is talking about Sinner. If you walk in the street, they are talking (about) why Sinner's not now No.1, how many points he needs.
"I think that Sinner right now maybe can be better than football. Because I think right now he's the most famous sportsperson in Italy; it's like (Alberto) Tomba a few years ago, or Valentino Rossi.
"Now everyone is talking about tennis.”
So what does Sinner need to do to reach world No.1?
It is not assured, given Sinner is currently racing to be fit after a hip injury saw him withdraw from Rome.
However, the pressure will be on current No.1 Djokovic at Roland Garros, where he is defending 2000 points as the reigning champion.
Sinner, on the other hand, has plenty of ranking points to gain after exiting in the second round in 2023.
Djokovic will need to make the semifinals, at least, to retain the top ranking. If not, Sinner will surpass him atop the ATP Tour rankings.
Sinner can also guarantee his progression to top spot by reaching the final in Paris. That would be enough to overtake Djokovic, even if he successfully defends his title.
Lorenzi, who played doubles with Sinner in 2019 and has also been a practice partner, believes his young compatriot has what it takes to reach the summit.
"When he was already 16, 17 years old, the intensity that he put on court was unbelievable. He was so focused,” Lorenzi recalled.
“This is why now he will be the next No.1 in the world."