However, the Italian may one day trade the court for the track in a dramatic career shift. Sinner’s coach, Simone Vagnozzi, has stated that his protégé is ‘passionate’ about Formula One, which he frequently sees in person.

Sinner’s passion for the sport even led him to sign a cooperation agreement to become a ‘Friend of F1′. Vagnozzi told Sky Sports Italy that Jannik is highly competitive in a variety of activities, including cards and go-karting.

“If we’re playing tennis and I score a point, he stares at me resentfully. “You have no clue how much he wants to be a Formula One driver; he’s very passionate about the sport and it’s his goal! Be cautious; he may do it sooner or later near the end of his tennis career.”

Sinner is due to return to court this week after receiving a three-month suspension for failing a drug test. This will be his first competitive match since winning the Australian Open in January.

When asked what to expect from his comeback, Vagnozzi replied: “For a tennis player, when you’re fit but can’t compete, it’s the hardest thing. Jannik is a competitive animal. “Without it, he felt empty. He now understands he can go back to doing what he enjoys.

The first two games will be critical for getting back into the groove of things. There will be some effort; he will have to get dirty, sweat, and win, perhaps not flawlessly at first, before regaining his rhythm.” Sinner’s suspension, which lasted from February to May, also prevented him from visiting other sports’ events as a spectator.

The tennis star has conceded that this was difficult, saying, “The toughest part was that in the beginning, I couldn’t watch any other sport in real life.” “I am not sure how many people are aware of this, but I was unable to attend a basic football event in a stadium. “I wanted to support my friends in cycling or motorsport – I couldn’t go there.” Sinner will make his comeback on home turf on Friday at the Italian Open in Rome.

He is the tournament’s top seed, and Mariano Navone will be his second-round opponent. Sinner, who will not compete in 2024, will be looking to improve on his greatest result three years ago, when he reached the quarter-finals.