Sinner’s New Foundation Aims to Inspire Kids Through Sports and Education
World number 1 Jannik Sinner is making headlines while still serving his 3 months doping ban, with the launch of the Jannik Sinner Foundation to empower children and young athletes through education and sports. The 23-year-old Italian, that is currently preparing for his return on tour at the Rome Masters 1000 event, is now using his platform to give back to the tennis community.
The Jannik Sinner Foundation
As a non-profit, The Jannik Sinner Foundation focuses on making sports and education more accessible for kids, especially in underprivileged communities. It will fund school programs, sports initiatives and community projects in Italy and beyond, aiming to break down social barriers. “I want to give back. Kids are our future and everything we do in the foundation is rooted to help them,” Sinner said in an Instagram video announcing the launch. The foundation’s board includes heavyweights like Alex Vittur, Sinner’s manager, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and former Apple CFO Luca Maestri.
Sinner’s own journey, from a small-town kid in swinging a heavy racket to the first Italian to top the ATP rankings, inspires the mission according to the website. Programs will offer training, equipment and educational support to help kids chase their dreams, whether on the court or in the classroom.
The launch comes as Sinner prepares for his return from his suspension at the Italian Open (May 7–18) having won the Australian Open earlier this year. The suspension, from February to May 4, 2025, came from two positive tests for clostebol in March 2024, traced to accidental exposure via his trainer’s hand spray. Despite the controversy, Sinner’s 2024 season was impressive. His foundation announcement, made days before his comeback, now shifts focus to his off-court impact.
The trend of foundations
The initiative follows a trend among tennis players. Carlos Alcaraz launched his foundation in 2024 for similar aims, as well as Andrey Rublev. With close to $40 million in career prize money and very lucrative sponsorship deals from Nike and Gucci, Sinner’s financial situation backs the foundation’s goals.
“For me, it’s an honour to support children and young athletes. Sports have taught me invaluable lessons: discipline, resilience and the courage to stay true to myself. Lessons that I believe are worth sharing. Through our work, we want to show kids what’s possible, not just in sports but in life.” Sinner said via a press release.
The foundation’s global reach could help talent in underserved areas, potentially finding the next Sinner. Its educational focus also sets it apart, recognising that not every kid will go pro but all can benefit from the lessons of sport.
Sinner’s timing is smart… launching the foundation now redirects attention from his doping saga to a positive cause. This initiative could have a real impact, especially in Italy, where the “Sinner Effect” has already spiked interest for tennis.
Sinner’s foundation is already active, with an Instagram account showing their early plans. Sinner now prepares for Rome and of course the French Open, where he’s a top contender once again, it will surely be interesting to see his immediate impact.
Visit the official site for the Jannik Sinner foundation.
