The unsung tennis player that Jannik Sinner named as his childhood hero ahead of Roger Federer

Jannik Sinner’s adoration for Andreas Seppi

The Italian discussed his childhood tennis idol during an interview with Sky Sports Italy in November of 2025.

Sinner explained: “Everyone has their idols. At the beginning, it was Andreas Seppi, because he was the only one I knew.”

Seppi came from the same area of Italy as Sinner, but he had a fraction of the success that the top players did.

He reached a career ranking high of World No. 18 in 2013 and he retired with just three career titles on the ATP Tour.

As Sinner grew into his love for the sport, he began to appreciate the more successful players on the tour.

He said: “When I got a bit more into tennis, it became Roger (Federer). I also met Rafa Nadal, an incredibly humane person, and Novak (Djokovic), who is very good at what he does.”

Sinner has already usurped Seppi’s career, but he could also go on to topple the records set by Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer.

The offer Andreas Seppi sent Jannik Sinner earlier this year

Seppi broached the subject of coaching Sinner earlier this year, when his current coach Darren Cahill shared doubts about continuing in the role.

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Seppi revealed: “If there was a chance, how could you say no?”

Seppi did, however, suggest that he is not currently up to the task of working with Sinner in a full-time capacity.

“Right now, between family and children, I don’t think it’s the right time. Following him around the world would be demanding, but in a few years I would happily train him.”

Seppi has been retired since 2022 and is yet to commit to working with a current player on the ATP Tour.