“My brother was my first best friend, he was always sincere and direct,” Jannik Sinner touchingly shared about his elder brother, Marc, last June. While the World No.1 tennis star usually keeps his family life private, his brother’s steadfast support has been clear for years-like during the emotional group hug after Sinner’s Australian Open win, followed by a celebratory dinner. Now, after reaching the finals of his home tournament at the Italian Open following a three-month doping controversy ban, surely Marc would be there to cheer him on, right? Well, not quite!

Sinner delivered a dominating performance at the Italian Open. The packed stadiums in Rome buzzed with excitement to see their home hero back in action, chasing another title after his Australian Open triumph just months earlier. He won all his matches to reach the finals against Carlos Alcaraz, and the mood was electric! Even his parents, Hanspeter and Siglinde Sinner, were there from day one. But Marc? He was nowhere to be seen. So, where was he?

Jannik revealed Marc’s whereabouts in the most hilarious way-during his runner-up speech in front of the packed stadium! Thanking the crowd and friends who supported him, including Lorenzo Musetti as his fellow Italian who made it deep into the event. However, he couldn’t help but take a dig, saying in Italian, “Special thank you to my brother who rather than being here is in Imola watching Formula 1.” Talk about a tattletale! He spilled that Marc was watching the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, Italy!

For those unaware, Sinner’s parents adopted Marc when he was just nine months old. Originally from Russia, Marc moved to Italy 26 years ago. The Sinners were told they might struggle to have children, so they adopted Marc and embraced him as their own. This unique family story has deeply shaped Jannik Sinner’s life.

Though Marc missed the final match, he has been there for Jannik many times before-like at the Australian Open and the ATP Finals last year in Turin. In a 2023 interview with Tg1, Jannik said he leans on his brother’s honest advice in tough times. “I feel very happy and grateful to have him, and even luckier that he is three years older than me,” the ATP No.1 said. Even when they argue, Marc knows they’ll make up soon!

Sinner’s bond with Marc is stronger than any argument

In a November 2020 interview with Alto Adige Newspaper, Marc Sinner, Jannik’s older brother, opened up about their sibling bond- and it’s refreshingly normal! He called their relationship “normal” like “most brothers” have. Sure, they argued sometimes, but “we made up immediately.” Marc even tried playing tennis with Jannik. “For a few years I managed to keep up with him, then he took off and it was impossible even to exchange shots,” he laughed. On and off the court, Marc says Jannik “has always been a very calm guy.”

Marc’s pride in Jannik’s career shines through when he talks about his younger brother’s milestones. Despite their busy lives, they still find time to enjoy simple pleasures like hiking in the mountains and playing golf together. Even with distance and demanding careers, they stay close, chatting “almost daily” on the phone. It’s clear their bond goes beyond tennis.

Marc isn’t just a brother– he’s a major influence in Jannik’s life. His steady support pushes Jannik to keep challenging himself and reaching new heights. Marc’s presence reminds Jannik of the importance of family, no matter how high he climbs in the tennis world. Even with the constant travel and distance, the World No.1 once mentioned, “Today we don’t call each other often, but we are close in an incredible way. He always compliments me, even when I lose.” 

And now that Jannik has playfully called out Marc for missing the Italian Open final, maybe it’s time for a little sibling reunion. What do you think? Will they make up soon? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!