Antonio Sanna, owner of “La Pizzeria Italiana” in Melbourne, regularly hosts Sinner and his team during the Australian Open. His relationship with Jannik and the behind the scenes story of the champion off the field in the interview with Fanpage.it.
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Per Antonio Sanna enjoy the trust of Jannik Sinner and his team is a medal. This Sardinian restaurateur, who left his homeland in 2012 to move to Australia, has hosted the Italian tennis player several times in his restaurant “La pizzeria italiana” in Melbourne. A “ritual” that was also repeated on the eve of the 2025 Australian Open, as later documented by the photos published on social media in the company of the entire team-family of the world number one.
Thus a special experience was renewed for Antonio who spoke behind the scenes on Fanpage, even getting emotional. On the other hand, those like him who feel nostalgic for Italy “every day” cannot help but feel strong sensations, and then find themselves proudly hosting their compatriot at the top of the ATP rankings.
Antonio, first of all how are you in Australia and how much you miss Italy?
“We work a lot here, thank God. I am Sardinian and the first time I came to Australia was 2012. Initially I was in Perth, then I moved to Melbourne and here I met my wife who has Italian origins. We meet good, but obviously I feel the nostalgia for Italy every day.”
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We have seen the photos of Sinner and his team in your restaurant, how does it work in these cases? Did you already know each other?
“Initially we had a place in the center and we got to know Djokovic’s team. And then there was a very young Jannik Sinner at the first Australian Open, who was still part of the Piatti team. They came to dinner in our old place, if not I was the 126th in the world at the time. From there our friendship was born, which still lasts.”
Sinner at the table with his team in the premises of “La pizzeria italiana” in Melbourne.
So it’s not the first time. Has a good relationship been created between you?
“Here in Melbourne, according to them, they don’t do very well in terms of food, so they call me and ask me: ‘Antonio, could you cook us this or that…’. I always satisfy them. There’s a lot relationship between us, their trust is something very important and something I’m proud of, because it’s not every day you meet people like that, not only in terms of their level, but also from a human point of view.”
You are also very close to his team.
“They are all exquisite people, from first to last, from Marco Panichi to Uilses Badio. Then I know Edoardo, Djokovic’s former manager, very well. Let’s say it’s as if they were part of my family. Goran was there at my son’s baptism Ivanisevic, Marco Panichi, Zimaglia A wonderful relationship has been created, I love them and care a lot.”
What is Jannik Sinner like away from the cameras, in moments of relaxation?
“A very respectful, very polite person. He is truly special and I’m not saying this because he came here or I know him. Every time I have dealt with him I have realized how exceptional he is. He has a maturity and a incredible heads: being number one in the world and dealing with all that pressure, at his age, is not an everyday thing. So hats off to him.”
Have you noticed any changes in his attitude from when he was a young talent to now that he is the number one player in the world?
“No, he’s still the same person. He hasn’t changed a bit.”
What did you eat for dinner last time, do you have any special requests?
“A fairly simple meal. A margherita with some ham and a grilled sirloin with some vegetables. Very simple cooking, he trusts me. He tells me: ‘Antonio, pasta as you want or some meat with some vegetables. trust me, you do it.”
How proud are you of this trust?
“It’s very important and I’m proud of it. Also because with all the most renowned and hipster restaurants here in Melbourne, they always choose simplicity. Because for them food is fundamental, the basis of everything. Going somewhere a little ‘particular is not their priority. They are here to face a tournament and nutrition is very important, as is going to sleep full and satisfied after a day of work.”
What’s an evening with them at your restaurant like?
“As if they were part of the family. They come, they sit and we talk about this and that, about how life is going. It’s as if they were relatives coming to visit me in Australia from Sardinia. They are great, exceptional people. I love them, I’ve grown fond of them and we keep in touch throughout the year.”
Is it true that Sinner is keen to pay personally in restaurants?
“Obviously the bill is always paid by Jannik, who takes care of his staff. Then they appreciate the fact that I do something off the menu for them, because it’s a pleasure. Here they feel like family and this is something they certainly appreciate. C ‘It’s great respect from everyone.”
We saw some sweet photos of Sinner with your son Piero, another demonstration of his simplicity.
“He was playing with my son all evening. Piero went there and pulled his trousers, he caressed him. Especially in the old restaurant, which was closer to the city, actors, footballers, celebrities came and I saw all the I can tell you, however, that the more famous and important they are, the more humble they appear.”
If you had to choose the aspect that struck you most about Sinner, then?
“Simplicity and maturity for his age. Even while I was chatting with him, I thought: ‘But look at this boy, for his age he’s already great'”.
Have you also had the opportunity to host other tennis players in your club?
“I worked mostly for Djokovic’s team, but I also cooked for the Sonego staff, Coco Gauff with her physiotherapist. Different types of characters have passed through. With Marco Panichi and the old Nole staff I have maintained the most solid and I love Goran Ivanisevic with all my heart, he is great. There are other tennis players who should visit us soon.”
Let’s close with a joke: if Kyrgios were to come to your restaurant, how would you behave?
“We’re poisoning him (bursts out laughing, ed.)”.
Source: www.fanpage.it
