Jannik Sinner—what a move: a fellow Italian is the secret weapon on his staff
A new addition to Jannik Sinner’s staff: Michael Ranalter, a native of San Lorenzo di Sebato in South Tyrol, will join the team of the world’s No. 1 tennis player. The rumor was reported by the website Sportnews.bz, which states that Ranalter will leave his current role as head of marketing and sponsorship at HC Pustertal to join the Italian star’s team.
When contacted for further details about his new professional role, Ranalter himself has chosen not to comment at this time. It therefore remains to be seen exactly what his responsibilities will be working alongside the South Tyrolean champion. Looking at his professional background, however, the available information points primarily to areas related to marketing, sponsorships, and communications.
One thing is clear: the organization surrounding Sinner continues to expand. And the South Tyrolean presence within it is growing even stronger. Manager Alex Vittur, one of the Sesto-born player’s most trusted confidants, has long worked alongside Jannik. Alex Meliss is also part of the same organization. Now Ranalter is expected to join as well—another professional from the province who has gained experience in both elite sports and the fields of branding, partnerships, and communications.
Ranalter’s background seems particularly well-suited to an international challenge. Born in San Lorenzo di Sebato, he first made a name for himself as an athlete. He played handball for thirteen seasons, racking up 224 Serie A games with SSV Brixen. In the summer of 2019, he decided to retire from competitive sports, though he never completely left the sports world. He attended the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano and, as early as 2013, launched the clothing brand PNRS Clothing.
Then came the hockey chapter. In recent years, his most significant professional commitment has been with HC Pustertal. With the Lupi, he officially holds the position of Head of Marketing & Sponsoring, though in day-to-day operations his responsibilities have expanded considerably. Behind the scenes, he has become a key figure within the club—a point of contact for sponsors, partners, and for many organizational, communications, and administrative matters. And these have not been ordinary years. Ranalter has accompanied HC Pustertal through one of the most intense phases of its recent history: from the Alps Hockey League to the move to the new Intercable Arena, from joining the ICE Hockey League all the way to last season’s championship final. Now it’s time for a change of discipline. From the Intercable Arena to the Grand Slams: until now, his work has revolved around venues in Bolzano, Klagenfurt, Salzburg, and Vienna. In the future, it could take him to Melbourne, Paris, Wimbledon, and New York. Ranalter is, in fact, leaving HC Pustertal to join the professional organization of one of Italy’s most world-renowned athletes.
