Jannik Sinner: Inside His Friendships and Rivalries on the Tennis Tour

Sinner noted in a recent interview that he and Draper consider each other good friends after years of sharing the tour, training sessions, and navigating high-pressure moments together.

Draper and the Italian Core of Tour Friendships

The bond between Sinner and Draper dates back to their junior Under-18 circuit days, according to profiles published by Cronache di Tutti. Draper previously recalled that during their junior doubles matches, opponents would target him because Sinner was not initially viewed as the standout threat. Sinner has maintained similarly close ties within the Italian contingent, particularly with Lorenzo Sonego. The pair cemented their partnership through Davis Cup doubles play, proving decisive during the 2023 Finals. Sinner admitted that facing friends like Sonego or Matteo Berrettini across the net always carries a bittersweet edge.

The Clostebol Investigation as a Tour Watershed

According to source reporting, Sinner’s career faced its most severe test during his suspension related to the Clostebol case. That period served as an immediate dividing line within the locker room. While players like Draper and Sonego immediately joined Sinner for training sessions in Monte-Carlo, and Casper Ruud publicly defended him as “innocent and unfortunate,” other competitors distanced themselves. Novak Djokovic publicly criticized the lack of standardized protocols surrounding the case, while Stan Wawrinka stated that the saga harmed tennis’s image, according to the source material.

The Evolution of the Alcaraz Rivalry

Relations with Spanish rival Carlos Alcaraz have undergone a noticeable shift from initial coldness to mutual respect. During the Rome tournament, Alcaraz publicly distanced himself by stating they were strictly rivals rather than close friends and admitting he had sent no messages of support during Sinner’s suspension. However, subsequent high-stakes meetings in Slam finals fostered a much closer dynamic. Sinner stated that they now share a healthy respect and can talk about anything outside of competition, with Alcaraz joking that he now sees Sinner more often than his own mother, as reported by Cronache di Tutti.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Jannik Sinner’s closest friends on the ATP Tour?

According to recent interviews, Sinner considers British player Jack Draper a close friend. He also maintains strong ties with Italian colleagues Lorenzo Sonego and Matteo Berrettini through Davis Cup and tour camaraderie.

How did the Clostebol case affect Sinner’s relationships with other players?

The suspension acted as a watershed moment. While players like Jack Draper, Lorenzo Sonego, Casper Ruud, and Holger Ruud offered support and training partnerships, figures such as Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka raised public concerns regarding transparency and tour protocols.

Are Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz friends?

While their relationship began as a strict professional rivalry—with Alcaraz noting they were not close friends during the Rome tournament—frequent high-level meetings have since evolved their dynamic into a healthy, respectful friendship off the court.