**Jannik Sinner’s Private Life in the Spotlight as He Returns to Grand Slam Glory**
As the French Open reaches its climax in Paris, much of the focus has been on Italian tennis sensation Jannik Sinner, not only for his remarkable skill on the court but also for the recent developments in his personal life. Sinner, who has ascended to the apex of the men’s tennis rankings, faced Spanish rival Carlos Alcaraz in the showpiece final at Roland Garros, marking his return to elite competition after serving a three-month suspension.
The 23-year-old’s comeback has coincided with shifts in his personal relationships, drawing as much attention as his performances with racket in hand. Reports have circulated about Sinner’s recent acquaintance with model Lara Leito, a 31-year-old Russian who has made headlines previously for her ties with Hollywood’s Adrien Brody and French actor Olivier Martinez. The two were observed together during the Italian Open preparations in Monte Carlo, where Leito was present at Sinner’s training session, prompting speculation after the pair were seen embracing and sharing a kiss.
Sinner’s romantic life has long intrigued fans, especially given his previous relationship with fellow tennis player Anna Kalinskaya. The pair had been together for seven months before going their separate ways in November of last year. Since then, Sinner has addressed rumours surrounding his love life, confirming last month that he is not currently in a committed relationship. He remarked candidly, “There’s a lot of attention. Even off the court, I was surprised to see some pictures, which, nothing serious. I’m not in a relationship!”
Away from the headlines on his personal affairs, Sinner’s recent professional journey has not been without drama. His suspension earlier in the year stemmed from an anti-doping dispute, after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed a decision that initially cleared him of wrongdoing over a banned steroid. The substance was accepted to have entered his system via a product used by his physiotherapist during a massage, rather than through intentional wrongdoing.
Reluctantly, Sinner agreed to a ban in February, explaining that he preferred not to pursue an uncertain appeal process before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Reflecting on those challenging months, he said, “I didn’t want to do it in the beginning, so it was not easy for me to accept because I know what really happened. But sometimes we have to choose the best in a very bad moment and that’s what we did.”
The enforced break provided Sinner the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, an experience he valued despite the frustration of being away from competitive tennis. “(They have been) very long months, but I was glad to share some great moments with my family, with my friends. We practised very hard, especially in the gym in the beginning, coming back to court again.”
Returning to the professional circuit is never straightforward after a prolonged absence, and Sinner was candid about the physical challenges of picking up where he left off. He noted the physical toll, with his body needing time to adjust, and mentioned blisters that tend to reappear after time away from intense training. Nonetheless, he expressed pleasure at being back and curiosity over where his game would now stand.
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has weighed in on the rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz, hailing it as crucial for the future of the sport. “They’re definitely great for tennis, both of them,” Djokovic commented, suggesting fans are likely to see more of these two vying for the biggest prizes in years to come.
As Sinner steps back onto centre stage at Roland Garros and into the media limelight, he embodies both the pressures and the opportunities facing a new generation of stars. Whether on the court striving for the highest honours, or off the court dealing with the scrutiny that comes with fame, the Italian’s journey remains one of the most compelling stories in the world of tennis today.