The World No. 1 opened up about his “Plan B,” revealing that if tennis hadn’t worked out, he’d most likely be working in his father’s kitchen 👨‍🍳 rather than chasing a career in professional skiing.A refreshingly honest and grounded take from one of the biggest stars in the game today. 🙌

The World No. 1 shared a grounded perspective on his alternate path, admitting that if tennis hadn’t worked out, he would most likely be working in his father’s kitchen 👨‍🍳. In a realistic confession, the Italian also revealed he never saw himself making it as a professional skier.A humble reminder that even the biggest stars stay rooted in reality. 🙌

“Realistically, I would maybe work in a kitchen with my dad. He’s a cook, he used to be a cook. I couldn’t see myself being a pro ski racer because of certain reasons. I believe something realistic could be working in the kitchen with my dad & having bigger ambitions there,” Sinner said (from 9:30).

Jannik Sinner’s story is built on humble roots ❤️Growing up in the Italian Alps, Sinner came from a simple household — his father, Hanspeter Sinner, worked as a chef at a ski lodge, while his mother, Siglinde Sinner, was a waitress.Before tennis took over, he was deeply into skiing ⛷️— until his father encouraged him to fully commit to tennis 🎾.His parents supported him every step of the way, and even today, his father is known to cook for him and his team during tournaments 👨‍🍳Maybe that’s why, when Sinner imagines a life without tennis… he still sees himself right back in that kitchen. 🥹

Jannik Sinner’s first steps on a tennis court came alongside his father

During the same YouTube video, Jannik Sinner reflected on his early days, sharing (from 0:20):

The first time I went on a tennis court was with my dad. He gave me the tennis racket. I was around, I think around three and a half, four years old.”

The mental and physical grind of skiing—early mornings, freezing conditions—eventually took its toll. Despite finding success on the slopes ⛷️, Sinner was drawn to tennis because it challenged him even more 🎾That decision to step out of his comfort zone? It paid off.From the mountains to the biggest stages in the world, Sinner is now a four-time Grand Slam champion with multiple ATP records to his name 🏆