‘I Expected a Firm No’ – Jannik Sinner Explains Why His Parents Declined Royal Box Invite at Wimbledon

The Royal Box at Wimbledon is one of the most exclusive invitations in tennis, attracting a host of sporting icons and celebrities each year. This year’s grass-court Major has already welcomed the likes of Usain Bolt, David Beckham, and actor Joseph Fiennes to the prestigious area.

Jannik Sinner’s fellow defending champion, Iga Świątek, also had her father and sister experience the action from the Royal Box during her first-round win. Sinner’s parents, however, firmly declined an invitation to the box, which came as no surprise to the Italian.

Why Jannik Sinner’s Parents Turned Down a Royal Box Invitation at Wimbledon

Following a challenging five-set battle against Miomir Kecmanović in his opening match, Sinner has looked increasingly dominant while continuing his title defense at Wimbledon. He claimed a 7-6(4), 7-6(2), 6-4 win over Nuno Borges in the second round and defeated Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in the third round to book his spot in the Round of 16.

Speaking to Sky Sport after his third-round win, the world No. 1 revealed that his parents had been invited to the Royal Box for his opening match on Monday, June 29, but they turned down the invitation.

He explained that his mother, Siglinde, did not enjoy being in front of the cameras and that his father, Hanspeter, also preferred to stay out of the spotlight.

“They didn’t say yes. It’s okay, I mean I know them, I don’t have to ask. Mostly I know my mom and the fact that she doesn’t want to be in front of the cameras at all, same thing for my dad. I expected a firm no and it came, so all good,” Sinner said.

Sinner revisited the topic during his post-match press conference, saying it was “impossible” that his parents would have attended.

“It was offered for my parents but I know my parents. Obviously I asked them but it was impossible that they come here. We hardly even discussed it. They have other things to do and I understand that,” he said.

MORE: ‘They Leave Me Alone’ – Jannik Sinner Makes Feelings Clear on His Family Rarely Attending His Matches

Sinner’s understanding of his parents’ decision comes as no surprise, as he has spoken empathetically about how his mother “suffers” during his matches and feels the need to leave the stadium when the match becomes too stressful.

As such, it was particularly special for the world No. 1 when his mother made the trip to Wimbledon for last year’s final against Carlos Alcaraz, revealing that she became emotional while watching him compete on Centre Court.

Up next, Jannik Sinner will lock horns with qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki in the fourth round of the grass-court Major. A win will send the Italian into the quarterfinals, where he will face the winner of the match between Hubert Hurkacz and Jan-Lennard Struff.