Jannik Sinner has been virtually unstoppable in 2026, winning five Masters titles and successfully defending his Wimbledon crown to claim his fifth Grand Slam overall. Yet despite the staggering haul of silverware, the Italian world number one says what drives him goes far deeper than trophies.
Speaking to Italian outlet Secolo XIX, Sinner reflected on the kind of legacy he hopes to leave behind. He expressed a desire to be remembered not just for results, but for the values his parents instilled in him and for the person he has been throughout his career. He also mentioned hoping fans simply enjoyed watching him play, adding that performing in Italy always brings an overwhelming sense of crowd support that he wants to repay with joy and positive energy.
Those words carry extra weight given what Sinner has sacrificed to protect that legacy. He recently withdrew from the Canadian Open, ruling out any chance of completing an unprecedented sweep of all nine Masters events in a single season. He had already won Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Rome, but concerns about his health prompted the decision.
The context matters here. Sinner crashed out of Roland Garros in the second round against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, a defeat widely attributed to fatigue accumulated during his historic Masters run. He showed visible wear in matches at Monte Carlo and Rome before his energy gave out entirely in Paris.
By skipping Montreal, Sinner is clearly prioritising Grand Slam success over milestone streaks. He is the heavy favourite for the US Open in September, and given how his year has unfolded, it is hard to argue with the strategy. TennisDraw users have already installed Sinner as the overwhelming favourite in their US Open bracket predictions.
