Jannik Sinner: A Deliberate Choice After the Controversy. And Laila Hasanovic Always Stands by His Side
Despite the debate sparked among fans and experts after Jannik Sinner withdrew from the Montreal Masters 1000 to take some time off, recharge his batteries, and arrive at the U.S. Open in top form, the South Tyrolean has decided to distance himself from the discussion, opting for the path of silence he had already taken following his experience at Roland Garros, in preparation for what would eventually be his second triumph at Wimbledon.
The context surrounding him remains crucial. Darren Cahill, who has had a huge impact on Sinner’s development, made this clear a few weeks ago: “Jannik is no longer the young boy who thought only about tennis that I met in July 2022: he’s grown up, he’s become a man, he has a girlfriend, and other interests.” That reference to Laila Hasanovic is no coincidence: since the Danish model entered his life, Sinner has found a new balance that helps him even off the court.
There hasn’t been any dramatic upheaval—true to the Italian’s reserved nature—but the signs are clear. After Wimbledon, Jannik and Laila were photographed in Sardinia, far from the spotlight, immersed in a normal life that, until a few years ago, seemed impossible for a young man who lived exclusively among training sessions, matches, and the pursuit of perfection.
His decision to skip Montreal was the turning point. Sinner could have taken the court right away, pursued a clean sweep of the season’s Masters 1000 tournaments, and continued to rack up records. Instead, he chose silence, rest, and self-care. A choice that drew criticism, especially from those who view tennis solely as a race for statistics, but one that was endorsed by many coaches and trainers, who are convinced that the line between maximizing results and asking too much of one’s body has become extremely thin.
The memory of his physical collapse in Paris—after months of relentless play—is still fresh. And his staff has learned its lesson: it’s not about playing every match; it’s about arriving at the decisive moments with a clear mind and a healthy body. Skipping Montreal means giving up an opportunity, of course, but it also serves to protect the season and, looking at the long term, his career.
Today, Sinner is a different athlete. Less obsessed with the immediate, more focused on building a path that’s meant to last. And this change extends to his personal life as well. Those who know him describe a young man with the same values but a different approach to managing his time: whereas before every day revolved solely around tennis, today there’s room for a vacation, dinner with friends, and a few days spent with loved ones. Without any guilt.
His relationship with Laila continues to be kept extremely private. No social media posts, few public appearances—a desire to protect a relationship that seems to have given Jannik a newfound sense of peace. A sense of peace that inevitably reflects on the court as well.
