Sinner returned to Italy shortly after his defeat at the hands of Djokovic and has taken up a bizarre new job away from tennis. He is an ambassador for the Winter Olympics, with some events taking place in Milan and others in clusters around Cortina and the Valtellina and Fiemme valleys. As part of that commitment, Sinner was tasked with promoting the Games in a very unusual way.
He took on the role of a ticket inspector alongside Paralympic fencing champion Bebe Vio, who is also from Italy. Footage on social media showed the tennis star checking the tickets of stunned passengers travelling to the Games on public transport.
Sinner was the first official volunteer named for the Winter Olympics back in 2024, explaining that he agreed to help out because he used to ski as a child.
At the time, he said: “Sport has always been a fundamental part of my life, particularly winter sports. For me, one of the most beautiful days of the year is December 25. With my family and friends, we go skiing, it’s special.
“I’m proud to represent the passion for these extraordinary disciplines and the desire to contribute to the success of a unique event. I would love to carry the Olympic torch.
“At all the greatest sporting events, volunteers have the opportunity to make the experience unforgettable for us athletes. I learned to ski when I was just a child, and since then, the adrenaline of the descents and the allure of the snow-covered mountains have accompanied me every winter.
“The Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics and Paralympics will take place in places that are very special to me. I grew up in one of the most beautiful parts of Italy. Our mountains are a wonder. Skiing for me is like walking. It’s a great honour to be part of these Olympics.”
Despite his volunteer role, it’s been reported that Sinner won’t attend the opening ceremony on Friday evening due to his tennis commitments.
He is gearing up for the Qatar Open, which takes place later this month, and has reportedly chosen to prioritise his training as he seeks a return to winning ways.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 24-year-old will soon head to the Middle East and begin training for the tournament. Djokovic is also set to compete in Qatar alongside Alcaraz, meaning it won’t be a simple task for Sinner to lift the trophy.
The likes of Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alexander Bublik, Daniil Medvedev and reigning champion Andrey Rublev will also be in action at the first ATP 500 event following the Australian Open.