Jannik Sinner’s secret revealed: word from the'expert

By now we have become accustomed to seeing Jannik Sinner wearing an arm sleeve: first it was black, then, due to too much heat, the champion turned to white. The’use of the accessory is not simply for aesthetic reasons, and Matteo Tinelli, a physical therapist who has treated Holger Rune and Brandon Nakashima, among others, explained it to Corriere della Sera.

“Every arm movement generates small vibrations that, if repeated over time, can strain muscles and tendons. The restraining sleeve acts like a second skin: it wraps around the arm and dampens these vibrations, reducing mechanical stress and preventing those microtraumas that

often turn into inflammation or pain” he explained.
“It also makes the gesture smoother and more efficient: less energy wasted in unnecessary vibrations means more force transferred to the movement. In tennis, every time the racket hits the ball, a series of waves propagates down the arm; the sleeve helps dissipate them, easing the load on the elbow, forearm and shoulder. Another advantage is that the sleeve integrates seamlessly with various functional tapes used to support joints or muscles”.

“The restraining sleeve also promotes lymphatic drainage and helps to reduce swelling– continued Tinelli to explain -This limits the edema that can arise after intense exertion or minor muscle trauma. This not only relieves pain and stiffness, but also speeds up recovery and return to the field”.

“Elasto-compression bandaging has also been used by Novak Djokovic, upon his return from meniscus surgery at Wimbledon 2024, and by Carlos Alcaraz, this year, at the Internazionali d’Italia, after his thigh injury. It offers benefits similar to those for the upper limb, but can also be applied to the knee or thigh, adapting to different needs”.