There’s a poignant journey behind every successful person and, almost always, on-point parenting and a healthy environment at home reflect a positive outcome. Jannik Sinner is no exception to this. The Italian superstar took over the circuit with his feisty yet chill demeanor and even amid the turbulent times last season, he maintained his composure. But where does that calmness come from? The World No. 1 recently reflected on his upbringing and revealed what has been his ‘reference point’ in life.

Jannik Sinner enjoyed a splendid run in the 2024 season. He dominated every contestant who came his way to bag eight tour-level titles, including two maiden Majors in Melbourne and New York. While he let his performances do the talking for him, his success was unfortunately overshadowed by a doping scandal. Sinner tested positive twice for banned anabolic (Clostebol) during his Indian Wells campaign earlier this year. When the update aired, some of the former pros expressed dissatisfaction with the authorities as he continued participating in events without facing the music.

The 23-year-old evaded suspension after the ITIA accepted his plea and awarded him with a ‘no guilt or negligence’ verdict. However, it wasn’t long before the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed against the decision at Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). Now the final result of Sinner’s doping nightmare is set for February 2025, when CAS will deliver its final verdict. Regardless, the Italian sensation has remained positive and has continued delivering exceptional results. Days after powering Italy to their second consecutive Davis Cup title, Sinner landed in Australia for the United Cup and reflected on his childhood.

During a pre-tournament presser, he highlighted that his parents always kept their heads high, regardless of whether their day went good or bad. A loving atmosphere in his house is what helped him always stay connected with his father Hanspeter and mother Siglinde. “He (Hanspeter) would leave in the morning and come back home after me. But he would come and he was always happy to be with his family or to play tennis with me, even though after 10 hours of work I understand that you might not feel like it. But he did it for love. For me, he has always been my reference point,” Sinner recalled.

Sinner further heaped praise on his mother too, “My mother was the same. She would come home and have to tidy up the apartments (she ran a holiday home, ed.) and then our house. There was so much love and you never noticed that it had been a bad day for them, you always saw them happy.” Their incredible efforts and sacrifices for Sinner’s future birthed a happy aftermath. The Italian is now not only privy to the highest status in the sport but also, an enormous amount of prize money.

Jannik Sinner topples Serbian Novak Djokovic in prize money after stellar 2024 run

Jannik Sinner was nothing short of incredible this season. He finished the season as the World No. 1 after clinching his maiden ATP Finals title in Turin. Winning 73 out of 79 matches meant he added a significant amount to his personal wealth and the numbers blew Serbian and 24-time Major winner Novak Djokovic out of the water.

The 23-year-old banked an impressive $19.7m to his account after winning several top-tier events, including his lucrative $6M paycheque following Six Kings Slam victory in Saudi Arabia. Notably, these numbers surpass the Serbian by a mile. Owing to his lack of success on the Grand Slam stage this year, Djokovic could only amass $4.4M in winnings this year.

With the season commencing, fans await Sinner’s thrilling performances once again. The Italian player will launch his title defense in Melbourne during the Australian hardcourt swing in January 2025. Will he be able to defend his Australian Open crown? What do you think?