The prodigy, kingpin of the ATP Tour who conquered the US Open just weeks ago, takes on a new role off the courts: Ambassador of Team26. His story, typified by the mountains, makes him the perfect figurehead for the volunteers who will make the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Games possible.
Sinner’s rise to the tennis Olympus shows no signs of slowing down. After claiming the title in Flushing Meadows earlier in September and fiercely defending his position as world number one, the Italian has decided to go beyond the courts. Now, not only does he shine with a racket in hand, but also off the court: he becomes the official promother for the volunteer programme for the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, which will be held in his homeland.
At an event held in Milan, Sinner was unveiled as the face of Team26, the initiative aiming to recruit the 18,000 volunteers needed for the upcoming Games. And it wasn’t a random choice. Born in the region of South Tyrol, one of Italy’s most picturesque areas on the Austrian border, Sinner has skiing ingrained in his DNA just as much as tennis. “Skiing was like walking for me,” confessed the Italian during the roadmap’s presentation, reminiscing about his days as a young skier in the mountains that shaped him.
Sinner 🇮🇹🎙
“Lo sport è sempre stato una parte fondamentale della mia vita, in particolare gli sport invernali. Per me uno dei giorni più belli dell’anno è il 25 dicembre. Con la mia famiglia e i miei amici andiamo a sciare, è speciale.
For those who now see him as a tennis superstar, it’s easy to forget that Sinner was also a phenomenon on the slopes. At just eight years old, he won a national skiing championship before making the life-altering decision at 13 to focus entirely on tennis. Today, that combination of natural talent and relentless hard work has taken him to the pinnacle of the sport.
However, Sinner hasn’t forgotten his roots or what winter sports mean to him. With emotion in his voice, he expressed his pride in being part of the 2026 Games: “It’s a great honour to represent these extraordinary disciplines. I would love the privilege of carrying the Olympic torch.” With these words, Sinner shows that his commitment isn’t just symbolic; it’s a genuine reflection of his connection to the Olympic spirit and his desire to leave his mark on an event that will go down in Italian sporting history.
For the Games’ organisers, having a figure of Sinner’s calibre leading the volunteer project is a masterstroke. Volunteers will not only be tasked with welcoming athletes and spectators at various venues but also ensuring everything runs smoothly, helping to create an unforgettable experience. And who better to inspire those volunteers than someone who has felt that same adrenaline on the slopes?
The young tennis star won’t be taking part in the Laver Cup being held this weekend in Berlin, but while he rests from his epic tennis battles, he focuses on this new adventure—a project that connects him with his love of sport and solidarity—, unmasking his true humanity in every way.
