Jannik Sinner in Milan, a sighting has all of Italy thinking.

In Milan, speculation has begun to circulate insistently about a surprise destined to leave its mark: the possible presence of Jannik Sinner at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. What sparked the rumors was the sighting of the Azzurro tennis player in recent hours at a hotel near Brera, one of Milan’s iconic neighborhoods. The news, which bounced quickly among insiders and fans, ignited curiosity about a possible involvement of the world number two in the inaugural event of the Games.

A fascinating hypothesis, given Sinner’s increasingly central role as a national sports icon and a face capable of representing Italy on an international stage. Sinner by the way had already been chosen as a volunteer representative. His presence could add further prestige to a ceremony already destined to be one of the most watched moments of the entire Olympic event. For now, no official confirmation has arrived and the rumor remains as such but fans are already dreaming.

Jannik Sinner meanwhile aims to put the disappointment of the Australian Open behind him by planning his upcoming events. And despite losing in the Melbourne semifinals in a true marathon against Novak Djokovic, the coming months will provide the South Tyrolean with several golden opportunities to take back the No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings from friend-rival Carlos Alcaraz. Calendar in hand, the rest of the winter and all of spring 2026 will be decisive in seeking and possibly hitting the mission. Which, in more than just theoretical lines, appears broadly possible.

The reason is quickly stated: the 2026 season will allow Sinner to participate in tournaments he had had to skip in 2025 because of the controversial suspension for the so-called “Clostebol Case.” This will allow him to accumulate as many points in the ATP ranking, which will replace as many “zeros” inherited from the stop a year ago.

This includes the ATP 500 in Doha, the next event in the South Tyrolean’s season. And where Alcaraz will have to defend last year’s 100 points. However, the Spaniard will also lose the 500 he won last season in Rotterdam.