Jannik Sinner, world No. 1: “Look at the season of Lamine Yamal, world champion at 19. Why fear that excessive youth will cause problems?”

Jannik Sinner25 years old and world number 1 in tennis, has given a highly personal interview to the ‘U’ magazine from La Reppublica in which he has set an example Lamine Yamal when asked about the supposed dangers that elite sport can cause in adolescents.

Without going any further, the Russian tennis player Kristina Liutova last July she won her first WTA title in Memphis He is only 16 years old after passing the qualifying phase, a precocity that some consider excessive in high competition.

“I don’t make the rules, but why deprive teenagers of such a beautiful story? They experienced intense emotion, they fought, they worked hard. There is an age when sport gives you a voice to be heard and becomes a tool to understand who you are and grow. You still can’t be great in society. In many other sectors they criticize you for not being of the right age, but sport offers you opportunities without judging you or asking for your identification,” he answers. Sinner.

“Look at the season of Lamine Yamal, world champion with Spain at 19 years old. Why fear that excessive youth will cause problems? What if it offers them new horizons and helps them show qualities that no one has seen yet? Let the young people play,” adds Jannik, who also refers to his friend Kimi Antonelliabout to become at 20 years old the youngest champion in the history of the F1.

“Kimi debuted without even having a license. By the way, I finally got my motorcycle license. If someone deserves success, I don’t see any problem, just like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo They have the right to be in the field even if they are no longer teenagers. And let’s not forget Djokovic“, reflects Sinner.

Jannik Sinner, out due to injury since revalidating his title in July Wimbledonhas already finished his 2026 season to recover his knee 100% and focus on 2027, so the Italian will give up the number 1 of the year to the German Alexander Zverev.

“Patience is the key word for this period. Your body is the only rival you cannot beat. When it tells you to stop, you have to accept it and follow the advice of the specialists,” clarifies the tennis player, winner of five Grand Slams.

“Injuries are part of sport, you have to be intelligent and understand how much and when to play. You have to have a long-term vision, today is not everything, you sow today, but the harvest comes later. And the difference is always made by hard work and preparation, not luck. That helps you win a point, not a game,” explains Sinner, who is clear about what he would say to himself 10 years ago with his current experience.

“What I have learned: talent without work is of no use. You have to make decisions, weigh the consequences and pursue the goal. I would tell you to enjoy every moment. I don’t regret anything. I wouldn’t advise you to change course, but rather to carefully choose the people you surround yourself with. My family has always been there for me,” explains the Italian.