Jannik Sinner explains 'special' title win after shouting out rarely-seen girlfriend

Jannik Sinner has explained why his latest triumph was extra special after lifting his fourth title of the year, and 22nd overall, at the Vienna Open. The world No. 2 outlasted Alexander Zverev in a tight final and then gave an unexpected shoutout to his girlfriend, Laila Hasanovic, in his victory speech.

There have long been rumours about a suspected romance between Sinner and the Danish model. Hasanovic has been seen in the stands for some of Sinner's matches, but for the first time, she was spotted in his box in Vienna. But she wasn't the only familiar face cheering Sinner on.

After sealing a 3-6 6-3 7-5 comeback victory in the final, the 24-year-old said: "The third set was a bit of a rollercoaster, but I was feeling the ball very well at times, so I tried to push and I'm very happy, of course, to win another title. It's very special."

Some thought it was a special occasion for Sinner because his girlfriend was in his corner. During the trophy presentation, the newly-crowned champion even gave Hasanovic a shoutout.

"My family, my girlfriend, my friends and even those watching at home. Thank you all so much for the support," he told those in his box. However, it was a family affair for the Italian.

Sinner hails from South Tyrol, which borders Austria. This made it easy for some of his other loved ones, including one of his childhood coaches, to attend.

"I've always had a wonderful bond with him and with the other coaches I've had, I'm grateful to everyone," the world No. 2 told Sky Sports Italy.

"The player I am today isn't just the result of the last two years but also of all the work that went into it; it's a journey that has involved so many different people, and each one has given me their energy, so I'm always happy to see them again."

The Vienna Open is also close to Sinner's heart as tournament organisers offered him a wildcard in 2019, and it allowed him to make his top 100 debut.

After winning in front of something of a home crowd, Sinner explained: "It means a lot. I know there are a lot of people from South Tyrol here, even family, cousins, and so on, came here. It's nice and gives me positive energy.

"The crowd was fantastic from the first round, the arena was full, indoors you feel it even more, and it's a pleasure for any player, it gives you a lot of energy. Then I feel a sense of gratitude, Vienna is the tournament that gave me the wildcard to play here. Then I know everyone now and they treat me very well, I already know everything so playing is also easier, plus the city is beautiful. In short, in my mind it's an important tournament

"The atmosphere is almost like in Italy, lots of fans come from South Tyrol and Italy. I just try to be the best tennis player I can be every day I step on the court; the rest comes naturally. Ultimately, I am Italian, I feel Italian. The atmosphere I experience in Italy is very difficult to exceed."

Sinner now hopes to carry his momentum into the Paris Masters, where he arguably has little experience. The world No. 2 withdrew mid-tournament in 2023 and opted not to play last year. The event has also moved to a new venue, the La Defense Arena.