It’s February 2024, and the tennis world is buzzing. Jannik Sinner, the 22-year-old Italian phenom, has just claimed his first major at the Australian Open. Picture this: moments after hoisting the trophy, Sinner’s not celebrating wildly but tucked away in a small room inside Rod Laver Arena, dissecting his game with his team, already plotting how to improve.
That’s the kind of drive that caught the eye of skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, his friend and biggest cheerleader. So, what did she say about his epic win?
Vonn, an Olympic gold medalist who knows a thing or two about defying odds, was succinct but spot-on. In a gesture, she likened Sinner to Roger Federer, praising his humility and predicting a long, bright future. “He’s just a great athlete, very smart,” Vonn told the ATP Tour. “I’m not surprised that he won Australia.” Their friendship, built on shared slopes and mutual respect, gives her words extra weight. But what makes Sinner so special to her?
Sinner’s Australian Open run was nothing short of historic. He took down 10-time champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, becoming the first man to beat him at that stage in Melbourne. Then, in a gritty final, he clawed back from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev, becoming the first Italian man to win a singles Slam since 1976. “I’m extremely happy,” Sinner told reporters. “Having this trophy, it’s an amazing feeling. I feel grateful.” Vonn sees a rare quality in him: “fearlessness,” where “he puts everything out there no matter what the situation.” So, how does their bond shape her view?
Credits – Instagram / @janniksin
Having skied together, Vonn connects Sinner’s mindset to her own high-risk world. “I think he has just a great perspective on the sport, and to a degree, some of that comes from skiing,” she said. She even joked, “I always told Jannik, ‘You chose the right sport, you’re in a much safer sport.’” With over 10 surgeries from her skiing career, she admires his growth. “He’s maturing, he’s growing,” she said. What’s next for this rising star?
Vonn’s comparison to Federer says it all: Sinner’s got the talent and heart to dominate. “He’s someone that’s going to be around for a long time,” she said. As we look back on that 2024 triumph, one question lingers: how many more Slams will Sinner’s fearless spirit claim? Meanwhile, Linsey has garnered more fans from Tennis.
Lindsey Vonn’s resilience inspires Marin Cilic’s triumphant return
Well, not only Sinner, Lindsey’s grinding journey, scarred with injuries and surgeries, has inspired another tennis star. Picture Marin Cilic, the 2014 US Open champ, grinding through a brutal two-year battle with knee injuries. By 2023, a ruptured meniscus forced him off the court, and a second surgery in May 2024 tested his resolve. Yet, the 36-year-old Croatian roared back, reaching Wimbledon’s third round in 2025, his best since 2021. Who sparked his comeback? None other than skiing legend Lindsey Vonn. So, how did Vonn’s story fuel Cilic’s fire?
Cilic, pain-free and winning titles by September 2024, credits Vonn’s relentless spirit. “I’ve been following, obviously, Lindsey,” he told TNT Sports. Her own comeback, returning to skiing at 40 after a partial knee replacement, her ninth surgery, at least, mirrored his fight. “Skiing is such an extreme sport where you can’t be at 99%,” Cilic said. “You have to be in incredible physical shape to sustain those speeds.” Vonn’s refusal to quit, despite grueling odds, became his blueprint. But how does this translate to tennis?
In tennis, Cilic notes, you can “play around” injuries to an extent, but peak performance demands 100%. “I’m now feeling quite fresh,” he said, thriving at home and on the court. Vonn’s example of defying physical limits pushed him forward. What’s next for Cilic’s inspired resurgence?
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