Why will Jannik Sinner skip Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 opening ceremony?
(Courtesy : @janniksin/Twitter)
Sinner will travel to Doha to prepare for the ATP 500 Qatar Open scheduled from February 16 to 21, 2026.
Jannik Sinner, the World No. 2 tennis star and Italy’s top-ranked player, has opted out of attending the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on February 6, choosing instead to prioritize his tennis preparations.
The Games, hosted on home soil in Italy from February 6 to 22, had sparked speculation that Sinner, who’s a native of San Candido with known ties to winter sports like skiing might play a prominent role, including rumors of him serving as the final torchbearer to highlight his status as a national icon.
However, according to reports from Italian journalist Luigi Ansaloni and outlets like La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sinner has declined to participate in the ceremony at Milan’s San Siro Olympic Stadium.
He will continue training this week before traveling to Doha, Qatar, as early as Monday, February 9, to acclimate and sharpen his game ahead of the ATP 500 Qatar Open (February 16-21).
The tournament features a strong field, with Sinner expected to lead alongside Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
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This decision comes shortly after Sinner’s disappointing semifinal exit at the 2026 Australian Open, where he fell to Novak Djokovic in a grueling five-set thriller (3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4) despite holding numerous break-point opportunities.
The loss ended his bid for a third consecutive Melbourne title and underscored his drive to rebound quickly on the hard courts. By forgoing the Olympic spotlight, Sinner emphasizes his commitment to the grind of professional tennis over ceremonial national duties, even on home turf.
The choice has surprised fans, given his ambassadorial role with the Olympics as a volunteer ambassador and passion for winter sports. Yet it aligns with his mindset of putting tennis first amid a packed season.
Why did Jannik Sinner skip the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony?
Jannik Sinner chose to skip the opening ceremony to focus on his tennis preparations and upcoming tournaments, especially the ATP 500 Qatar Open.
When and where is the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony taking place?
The opening ceremony will take place on February 6, 2026, at San Siro Olympic Stadium in Milan, Italy.
Where will Sinner travel after skipping the ceremony?
Sinner will travel to Doha, Qatar, to prepare for the ATP 500 Qatar Open scheduled from February 16 to 21, 2026.
Which tournament is Sinner preparing for next?
He is preparing for the ATP 500 Qatar Open, which features top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.