Jannik Sinner's remarkable rise in the previous two years may soon bring him one of the greatest sporting honors, but not on a tennis court. World no. 1 could light the Olympic cauldron at the Milano-Cortina 2026Winter Games.
According to Corriere della Sera, the 24-year-old is among the leading candidates for the Opening Ceremony at San Siro stadium, just six days after the Australian Open final.
Sinner is already an official Ambassador for the Games. However, he will likely receive another milestone as the leading figure of the golden age of Italian tennis. As a talented skier, the potential role fits perfectly with his background.
His success has inspired a new generation and lifted the sport to unprecedented heights in his country. The tradition of athletes contributing to the Games' symbolism has seen legends from different sport take part.
At last year's Paris Olympics, Rafael Nadal acted as a torchbearer after everything he has achieved in the City of Light. The 14-time Roland Garros winner received the sacred flame from Zinedine Zidane and described it as one of the greatest honors of his life!
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After Nadal, Sinner could be the next carrier of the Olympic torch, this time all the way until the end! His possible moment of ultimate sporting glory at San Siro would echo the spirit of uniting tennis, Italy and the Olympic heritage.
Jannik Sinner, Cincinnati 2025 Stream screenshot
A symbolic honor like this would further highlight Jannik's role as a national icon. The San Candido native has won four Major titles since the start of 2024 and held the ATP throne since June last year.
His incredible consistency and ability to perform at his best on all surfaces have made him one of the most recognized Italians worldwide, with plenty more to come in the future.
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Sinner will seek the US Open title defense in the next two weeks, setting eyes on his fifth Major title and the fourth in a row on hard courts.
