The off-season is really the time when tennis stars can take a breather from the hectic season and explore their hobbies and passions. Be it visiting new places or engaging in other sports, we have seen it all. Yesterday, Jannik Sinner explored one such activity while enjoying his time away from the court. The Italian star attended the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and looked to have a gala time out there. Subsequently, he made a candid revelation on his love for motorsports.
Sinner, along with the likes of Aryna Sabalenka, Grigor Dimitrov, Elena Rybakina, and Paula Badosa attended the F1 race in Abu Dhabi. The World Number 1 has always been a big fan of fast cars and his dream came true after getting to view the race live from the stands. As a result, Sinner expressed joy during an interview.
He said, “In the car with Charles I wasn’t afraid, in fact I enjoyed it. I knew what to expect, it was a great emotion to meet Leclerc: we write to each other often, but we had never seen each other. Speed for me is freedom. It is knowing the limits and respecting everything, of course, but above all fun. On skis I have always thought of going down as fast as possible, in the same car: I like to drive, to hear the sound of the engine. I isolate myself from everything.”
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Further, Sinner also met Verstappen and waved the chequered flag at the F1 race in Abu Dhabi. The Italian star certainly seemed to enjoy his time out there and his visit to the Ferrari box went viral on social media later. “One of the main reasons why I love F1, whether that’s watching, karting with my friends, or racing in a simulator, is because I feel there’s a lot of synergies between tennis and racing,” he once said.
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While Sinner seems to have gotten over his doping controversy, it has been a major talking point this year nonetheless. Recently, Andrey Rublev weighed in on Sinner’s doping controversy.
Andrey Rublev defends Jannik Sinner on his doping fiasco
Ahead of the US Open, it was found that Sinner had failed a couple of doping tests earlier this year. However, he escaped punishment after the ITIA concluded that his explanation of how he came in contact with the banned substance was valid. However, there was massive criticism in tennis circles over the preferential treatment of a top-ranked player. Amid this, Andrey Rublev came to the defense of Sinner.
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He said, “You wouldn’t wish that on any player. I can’t imagine the stress and anxiety he endured throughout this period. He managed it very well, continues playing at his best level, and has managed to dominate the circuit by winning titles, it’s truly impressive. I think the anti-doping system should be a bit more understanding. In tennis, the rules are very strict, more than in other sports. I feel like every little mistake, even when unintentional, can threaten your career”.
Nonetheless, Sinner’s recent visit to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix suggests he is in a good frame of mind now. On the tennis front, Sinner has confirmed his participation at the Australian Open next year, where he is the defending champion. Do you think he will lift the title again in Melbourne?