TURIN, Italy — Fresh off the biggest triumph of his young career, newly crowned ATP Finals champion Jannik Sinner found himself fielding questions not just about his masterful tennis, but about his personal life, as he directly addressed swirling rumours of an engagement to his girlfriend, Maria Braccini.
The world No. 4, who sent the home crowd into a frenzy by capturing the season-ending title, was grilled during his post-victory press conference about a persistent online rumour mill suggesting he and Braccini are set to be married. The speculation gained traction partly due to Braccini's own high-profile dating history, which includes a past relationship with Formula 1 star and fellow Italian, Pierre Gasly.
The Question That Broke the Internet
With the pressure of the tournament finally lifted, a journalist bravely broached the personal topic. "Jannik, a huge congratulations on the win. There are many rumours online, especially in the Italian media, that you and Maria are engaged. Can you confirm or deny this for your fans?" The question prompted a knowing smile from the typically private Sinner, who has always been careful to keep his relationship away from the spotlight.
Sinner responded with a mix of bemusement and finality, "No, we are not engaged. I don't know where these things come from, but it's not true. I think people see a ring or something and they start to imagine things." He went on to explain the source of the confusion, likely a piece of jewellery spotted in social media posts. "It's just a ring, you know? It doesn't mean anything."
Navigating Fame and a Private Relationship
Sinner and Braccini, a model and influencer, have been dating since early 2023. Their relationship became public knowledge after they were photographed together on holiday, and they have since been spotted supporting each other at various tournaments and events. Despite their public appearances, they have shared very few details about their romance, preferring to keep the intimate details private. This has, perhaps inevitably, created a vacuum filled by speculation and gossip.
The 22-year-old tennis phenom emphasized that his focus remains squarely on his career, especially after a landmark season that saw him win his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open, reach the semi-finals of Wimbledon, and now, cap it all off with the ATP Finals trophy. "My focus is on the court, on improving," he stated. "This is the most important thing for me right now."
The intersection of Sinner's rising stardom and Braccini's own social media fame has created a perfect storm for tabloid interest. Key factors that have fueled the engagement rumours include:
- Increased Public Appearances: The couple have been seen together more frequently at high-profile events, often looking happy and comfortable together.
- Social Media Clues: Followers often dissect their Instagram posts for hints, from liking each other's photos to being tagged in similar locations.
- Braccini's Past High-Profile Relationship: Her previous relationship with AlphaTauri F1 driver Pierre Gasly, which was also closely followed by the press, means she is already a known entity in the world of sports celebrity.
The "Other Man": Pierre Gasly and the F1 Connection
Maria Braccini's previous relationship with Pierre Gasly adds an intriguing layer to the media narrative. The Italian model and the French driver dated for over a year before reportedly parting ways amicably in 2022. The connection has led to inevitable, though largely good-natured, comparisons in the Italian press between two of the country's favourite sporting sons from different disciplines.
Interestingly, there appears to be no public animosity. Sinner has spoken respectfully of Gasly in the past, and both athletes represent a new, globally successful generation of European sports stars. The media, however, enjoys the link, often referring to Braccini as having dated "an F1 star." For her part, Braccini has navigated the attention with grace, maintaining her career and supporting Sinner from the player's box during his biggest matches.
A Supportive Presence in the Player's Box
Throughout the ATP Finals in Turin, Braccini was a visible and vocal supporter of Sinner, often seen celebrating his points and victories alongside his family and coaching team. Her presence has become a staple at his important matches, a clear sign of her support for his career. This unwavering support during a high-pressure home tournament did not go unnoticed by fans or the media, further solidifying their status as a power couple in the eyes of the public.
When asked about the role his personal life and support system plays in his success, Sinner kept his answer focused on the collective. "It's important to have good people around you," he said. "My team, my family, they are the most important thing. They keep me grounded. They are with me in the good moments and also in the less good moments. This is what matters."
Looking Ahead: The Future for Sinner and Braccini
For now, the engagement rumours have been firmly put to rest by the man himself. The couple seem content with the current state of their relationship, balancing their individual careers with their time together away from the flashing cameras. Sinner's immediate future is undoubtedly focused on tennis, with the off-season offering a brief respite before a crucial training block ahead of the 2024 Australian Open, where he will look to defend his maiden major title.
The entire episode highlights the intense scrutiny that modern athletes face, where every aspect of their lives, from a piece of jewellery to their partner's past, becomes fodder for public consumption. Sinner handled the intrusive question with the same calm and poise he displays on the court, acknowledging the noise before dismissing it and redirecting focus back to his craft.
As one Italian sports commentator noted, "Jannik is handling fame like he handles a high backhand volley—with perfect timing and control. He gave the rumour just enough attention to kill it, but not so much that he fed the beast. It was a champion's response off the court to match his performance on it."
While the ring may not have been an engagement band this time, the speculation is a testament to Sinner's arrival as a global sporting icon. For his legions of fans, the only union they are currently celebrating is the one between his racket and the ball, a partnership that has already produced legendary results and promises many more to come.