'It is the year of Jannik', Carota Boys ready for Sinner show in Turin

The atmosphere built to fever pitch levels at the Nitto ATP Finals on Tuesday night, when fans made their way inside the Inalpi Arena to watch Italian star Jannik Sinner take to court in Turin.

The home favourite, who faces Taylor Fritz, is competing in Italy for the first time this season after missing Rome due to injury. Unsurprisingly Sinner’s fan club, The Carota Boys, were in the house to watch their guy.

“We are really excited because Jannik is playing in Italy for the first time this year. We are excited to see him with the Italian crowd,” said Carota Boy member Alessandro Dedominic, who has travelled around the world watching the Italian this year. “It is the year of Jannik, it is unbelievable. Two Grand Slam crowns, World No. 1. He has a good chance here because indoor conditions are good for him. I think he played really well in the first match and has a great chance to win the title.”

The Carota Boys have become famous in the tennis world for showing up at tournaments in carrot costumes. The act stems from a changeover in Vienna four years ago when the Italian chowed down on a whole carrot, with Sinner joking in the past that The Carota Boys are more famous than him.

Sinner reached the final in Turin last year. Twelve months on and the Italian returns as the No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, lifting majors at the Australian Open and the US Open in 2024.

Alessandro Bianchet, an Italian tennis fan, recalls watching Sinner lose to Holger Rune in Monte-Carlo in 2023 and believes that was a key point in Sinner’s development.

“We watched him in Monte-Carlo and at the Finals here in Turin last year. I have a memory of him when he lost in Monte-Carlo against Rune last year,” Bianchet said. “I think that was the turning point, that match against Rune was the start of him going to the top.”

Another Italian, Davide Carrara, lives in Bolzano, the region where Jannik Sinner grew up. Carrara highlighted the impact Sinner has had on youngsters in Italy.

“I am from the Bolzano, the region where Jannik grew up and we are so proud we have the number one player in the world from Bolzano,” Carrara said. “It is incredible now the number of youngsters who turn up to tennis and want to start tennis and be like Jannik. It is very important for Italian tennis.

“I watched him first when he was 16 years old in Italy. He had a wild card and was so young but he was already so good mentally. His mindset was there.”

Davide Carrara, first from left, and Alessandro Bianchet, fourth from left, with friends in Turin

Juan Ribadeneira travelled with his son Jose from Ecuador to watch the action in northern Italy. They have enjoyed their experience so far and are relishing the opportunity to watch Sinner take on Fritz on Tuesday in the Ilie Nastase group.

“It is our first time here,” Ribadeneira said. “Being here with the best eight players is very special. We have seen every match so far and we are here for the whole week. The atmosphere is fantastic, it is so well organised and a nice venue.

“Sinner is my favourite player,” son Juan added. “He is the favourite here and he plays the best. He is the best in the world and there are no holes in his game. If he plays well, I think only Carlos can match him.”

Juan Ribadeneira, first from left, with his son Juan, third from left, and father.

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