In a revelation that blends the worlds of high-performance sport and hip-hop culture, Italian tennis prodigy Jannik Sinner has disclosed the unlikely secret behind his historic Australian Open victory: the music of Canadian megastar Drake.
The 22-year-old, who captured his first Grand Slam title in Melbourne earlier this year, explained how the rapper's tracks became an integral part of his pre-match preparation, helping him achieve the perfect mindset before facing off against the world's best.
The Playlist That Powered a Champion
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Miami Open, Sinner was asked about his pre-game rituals. His response offered a fascinating glimpse into the psychological preparation of a modern athlete.
"Before every match, I try to listen to some music," Sinner revealed. "Most of the time it's Drake, so Drake helps me a lot."
This musical motivation isn't just a casual preference—it's a carefully curated part of his championship routine. The world number three emphasised the importance of finding the right headspace before stepping onto the court, suggesting that Drake's music provides the perfect mental framework for his competitive mindset.
From Melbourne Glory to Miami Focus
Fresh from his spectacular comeback victory against Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final, where he fought back from two sets down, Sinner appears to be maintaining his formidable form.
His revelation about Drake's influence came as he prepares to compete in Miami, where he's seeded second behind compatriot Carlos Alcaraz. The Italian star remains focused on the tournament ahead, though he took a moment to acknowledge the unusual source of his inspiration.
The connection between athletes and musical motivation is well-documented, but Sinner's specific endorsement of Drake highlights how personalised these routines have become at the highest level of sport.
A Growing Trend of Athletic Superstitions
Sinner's admission places him among a growing list of elite athletes who rely on specific musical artists or tracks to enhance their performance. The psychological impact of music on athletic preparation—from increasing focus to managing pre-competition nerves—has been widely studied in sports science.
What makes Sinner's choice particularly interesting is its contrast with his typically reserved and focused on-court persona. The selection of Drake, known for his introspective and often emotionally complex lyrics, suggests a deeper layer to the Italian's mental preparation than might be apparent to spectators.
As Sinner continues his campaign in Miami, fans will be watching to see if the Drake-inspired focus can propel him to further success on the ATP Tour.
