Despite facing a three-month suspension from tennis and battling controversy, world no. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner confidently took center stage at Milan Fashion Week. Decked in an all-black Gucci ensemble, Sinner, a regular face at the prominent fashion event, once again proved his ability to seamlessly balance his lifestyle between the court and the runway.
Sinner’s love affair with Gucci began in 2022 when he entered into a thriving partnership with this luxury Italian brand. Not just a sponsorship, Sinner perceives his relationship with Gucci as a creative collaboration that has significantly enhanced his personal style. The tennis star has been consistently impressing the fashion fraternity with his elegant Gucci outfits and accessories, from the Wimbledon in 2023 to the 2024 Roland Garros and the 2023 ATP Finals.
At the recent Milan Fashion Week, Sinner was the epitome of suave sophistication. His choice of a sleek all-black outfit, accentuated with stark white sneakers, conveyed the effortless style that has become synonymous with his name. His presence in the front row alongside esteemed Vogue editor Anna Wintour further solidified his status within the fashion world.
However, Sinner’s off-court ventures have not been without their share of controversy. His out-of-court settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has attracted criticism from fellow players like Nick Kyrgios, Daniil Medvedev, and Stan Wawrinka. They hinted at favoritism, expressing their dissatisfaction with the process through which Sinner’s three-month ban was imposed.
Attempting to put the dissent to rest, WADA’s general counsel, Ross Wenzel, clarified that Sinner’s case was “a million miles away from doping,” dismissing suggestions of intentional doping or micro-dosing. Despite this statement, opinions within the tennis community remain divided. While some, like Casper Ruud and Feliciano Lopez, support Sinner, others continue to voice their criticism.
In the midst of this controversy, Sinner appears to remain unfazed. He continues to embrace his role as Gucci’s global brand ambassador and focuses on his passion for the brand. In an interview with GQ magazine, Sinner expressed his admiration for Gucci’s creative director Sabato De Sarno, crediting him for transforming each clothing article into a unique story. For Sinner, Gucci is more than a sponsor; it is a creative collective that resonates with his values of authenticity, loyalty, and passion.
The tennis star’s association with Gucci extends beyond style. Sinner also uses Gucci duffle bags to carry his tennis gear, along with other essentials like clothes, drinks, grips, and even fruit. His appreciation for the brand’s versatility was evident in an interview with Vogue, where he elaborated on the practicality of his Gucci duffle bags.
Last year, Sinner’s participation in a Gucci campaign received rave reviews. His striking appearance in a grey turtleneck and a metallic duffle bag earned compliments from tennis legend Serena Williams, among others. This campaign not only highlighted Sinner’s fashion sensibilities but also reaffirmed Gucci’s historical connection with tennis dating back to the 1970s.
With his recent appearance at Milan Fashion Week, Sinner has demonstrated his resilience and ability to remain unaffected by the noise surrounding him. As fans eagerly await his potential comeback in Rome, it’s apparent that Sinner can effortlessly juggle his sporting career with his thriving association with the fashion world.