Jannik Sinner’s family: All about his brother Mark and their close bond Jannik Sinner’s older brother, Mark Sinner, has kept his life away from the spotlight even as the Italian tennis star has become one of the sport’s biggest names. Mark works as a fire brigade instructor in South Tyrol, Italy, and is not often seen at his brother’s matches. Still, the two remain close despite Jannik’s packed tennis schedule. Mark has spoken about their everyday bond, their occasional arguments, and how fame has not changed his brother. His appearances at major events have also offered fans a rare look at the family behind the champion.
Jannik Sinner’s Brother Mark Was Adopted From Russia and Has a Different Career
Mark Sinner was born in Russia in 1998 and was adopted by Jannik’s parents, Johann and Siglinde, when he was nine months old. Jannik was born in 2001, making Mark two years older than the tennis star.Unlike Jannik, who spends much of his time travelling for tournaments and training, Mark has built his career outside professional sports. He works as a fire brigade instructor in South Tyrol, a region in northern Italy.Mark also keeps a low profile. He does not appear to have public social media accounts and rarely attends tournaments with his family. However, he was present at the 2024 ATP Finals in Turin, where he watched Jannik alongside their parents.He was also in the player’s box at Wimbledon in 2025 when Jannik won his first title at the tournament. The victory was a special family moment, with Mark there to watch his younger brother lift the trophy.Mark has also spoken openly about their relationship in an interview with Rome-based newspaper Il Messaggero in 2024. He described their bond as being “like that of most brothers,” adding that they sometimes argue but quickly make up.
The brothers even tried playing tennis together when they were younger. However, Mark soon found it difficult to keep pace with Jannik.
“For a few years, I managed to keep up with him. Then he took off and it was impossible to even exchange shots.”Mark Sinner and Jannik Sinner Stay Close Despite Their Busy LivesJannik’s tennis schedule means the brothers do not get to spend much time together at home. Still, they make an effort to stay in touch, even when tournaments keep them apart.Mark explained this in his interview with Il Messaggero, saying, “I am used to not seeing him at home, but when he returns it’s wonderful. Every week of the year is busy with training and tournaments, so we try to keep updated by phone almost daily.”He also said that Jannik’s growing fame has not changed the person he knows at home. “On the court, as off, he has always been a very calm guy…Popularity hasn’t changed us at all.”Mark’s absence from some major matches has also become a source of friendly jokes between the brothers.At the 2025 Italian Open in Rome, Jannik lost to Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the final. During his post-match interview, however, he still found a reason to joke about his brother.“A special thank you to my brother who, instead of being here, preferred to be in Imola [a town near Bologna] to watch Formula 1.”The comment drew laughs from the crowd, while the camera showed their parents smiling. It offered a glimpse of the easygoing relationship the brothers share despite their different interests.Mark’s choice to stay out of the public eye has not stopped him from supporting Jannik. When time allows, Jannik returns to Sesto, his hometown in the Italian Dolomites, to spend time with his family. For the brothers, keeping their bond strong matters even when their busy lives leave little room for regular visits.