MELBOURNE — As Jannik Sinner powered through the Australian Open draw in January 2024, capturing his maiden Grand Slam title in stunning fashion, one notable figure was conspicuously absent from his player’s box: his long-term girlfriend, Maria Braccini. While Sinner’s family celebrated his historic victory, fans and media alike questioned the reason for Braccini's absence from such a pivotal moment in her partner’s career.
The 22-year-old Italian champion’s journey to the title was a masterclass in resilience and skill, culminating in a remarkable comeback from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling final. Amid the emotional scenes of triumph, Sinner’s support system was front and center—his parents, Johann and Siglinde, his sister, and his coach, Darren Cahill. The missing piece, however, sparked a wave of speculation online, with many wondering if the couple had split.
The Real Reason: A Career of Her Own
Contrary to rumors of relationship trouble, the explanation for Maria Braccini’s absence is far more straightforward and rooted in professional commitment. Braccini, a successful model and law student, was not in Melbourne because she was fulfilling her own work obligations in Europe. A representative close to the couple clarified to Italian media that Braccini’s career was the sole reason for her missing the tournament. "Maria has her own profession and commitments that she takes very seriously," the source stated.
This aligns with the couple’s well-documented approach to their relationship, which they have kept intensely private since they began dating in 2019. They are rarely seen together at public events or on social media, preferring to maintain a clear boundary between Sinner’s global tennis stardom and their private life together in Monte Carlo. Their discretion is so pronounced that Sinner has almost never publicly discussed Braccini in interviews, a deliberate choice to shield their personal life from the spotlight.
Who is Maria Braccini?
While often labeled simply as "Sinner’s girlfriend," Maria Braccini has cultivated a significant career independently. The 23-year-old from Brescia, Italy, is a graduate in Law and has balanced her academic pursuits with a rising profile in the fashion industry. She has worked with several high-profile brands and is represented by a major modeling agency. Her social media presence, though not focused on her relationship, showcases her professional work, travels, and personal style.
Friends describe Braccini as ambitious, intelligent, and fiercely independent—qualities that likely resonate with Sinner’s own disciplined and focused nature. This mutual respect for each other’s careers is considered a cornerstone of their relationship. As one insider noted, "They are both young, driven individuals. Supporting each other doesn’t mean being physically present at every match; it means understanding and respecting each other’s professional paths."
A Pattern of Privacy and Support
Braccini’s absence from the Australian Open was not an isolated incident but part of a consistent pattern. She also did not attend the 2023 US Open, where Sinner reached the semifinals, or the 2023 ATP Finals in Turin. She does, however, selectively attend some events, often those closer to home. For instance, she was present at the 2023 Italian Open in Rome and has been spotted at tournaments in Monte Carlo.
This selective attendance underscores a key point: her support is unwavering but not defined by public visibility. In the hyper-connected world of modern sports, where athlete relationships are often heavily scrutinized and performative, Sinner and Braccini have chosen a notably different, low-key path. Their relationship thrives away from the cameras, a decision that has seemingly helped Sinner maintain an extraordinary level of mental clarity on court.
Fan Reactions and Media Speculation
The internet, however, is rarely satisfied with a simple, professional explanation. Following Sinner’s victory, social media was abuzz with theories. Some fans expressed disappointment at not seeing the "couple moment" on the global stage, while others hastily interpreted her absence as a sign of a breakup. This reaction highlights the intense pressure and curiosity surrounding the personal lives of elite athletes, where every absence is analyzed and often misinterpreted.
Tennis commentators and Italian sports journalists, however, were quick to contextualize the situation. Many pointed out that Sinner’s entire team and family structure is built on a foundation of normality and separation between his professional and private worlds. His parents, for example, are known for avoiding the limelight despite their son’s fame. Braccini’s choice to prioritize her work fits perfectly within this ecosystem.
Furthermore, the practical challenges are significant. The Australian Open involves a nearly 24-hour journey from Europe and a time difference of up to 10 hours. For someone with active modeling castings, university commitments, or commercial shoots, taking two weeks away in January—a key time in the fashion calendar—is a major professional sacrifice.
The Sinner-Braccini Dynamic: Key Points
To understand their relationship, it’s helpful to break down its defining characteristics:
- Extreme Privacy: They have never done a joint interview or posted a romantic photo together on social media.
- Career Independence: Both prioritize their individual professions—Sinner on the tennis circuit, Braccini in modeling and law.
- Selective Public Appearances: Braccini attends some tournaments, typically in Europe, but not all Grand Slams.
- Mutual Support Off-Court: Their support system is reported to be deep and constant, but it operates almost entirely out of public view.
This dynamic appears to work exceptionally well for them. Sinner has repeatedly credited his "team" and "family" for his success, a broad term that undoubtedly includes Braccini. His mental fortitude and grounded personality, often praised by rivals and pundits, are likely bolstered by a stable and normal private life away from the tour’s pressures.
Conclusion: A Modern Partnership
Jannik Sinner’s Australian Open victory was a landmark moment for Italian sport, achieved with the quiet, unwavering support of a circle that chooses to operate in the background. Maria Braccini’s absence was not a snub or a sign of trouble, but a testament to her own ambitions and the modern, equitable nature of their partnership. In an era where every personal detail is often commodified, they have carved out a space for genuine privacy.
As Sinner embarks on his reign as a Grand Slam champion, the world will see more of his powerful forehand and ice-cool demeanor on court. The world will see less, by deliberate design, of the private relationship that forms part of his foundation. And if their past is any indication, that is exactly how both Jannik Sinner and Maria Braccini prefer it. Her support, though not always visible in the player’s box, remains a constant—proving that true partnership doesn’t require a front-row seat to be felt.