In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, where every serve is calculated and every match is a battle of wills, it’s easy to forget that even the world’s top athletes lead surprisingly ordinary lives. Take Jannik Sinner, the current No. 1, whose relentless drive on court is matched, off-court, by a rather delightful and decidedly human craving: a good scoop of artisan gelato. A recent interview with the owner of a Monte Carlo gelateria offers a charming, unvarnished look into the daily routine of Sinner and his girlfriend, Laila Hasanovic, painting a picture far removed from the glare of Grand Slam stadiums.
Santo Gelato: A Taste of Normalcy in a Glamorous Enclave
The scene is set in the opulent Principality of Monaco, specifically the tranquil La Condamine district. Here, nestled beneath the very residence of Jannik Sinner and Laila Hasanovic, lies “Santo Gelato.” It`s not just any ice cream shop; for owners Roberto and Nicoletta Stampfl, it`s a front-row seat to the quiet lives of some of the world`s most famous faces. Nicoletta, recently sharing insights, has become the unofficial chronicler of Sinner’s sweet tooth, offering a glimpse into the down-to-earth moments that punctuate his demanding schedule.
The Champion`s Choice: Pistachio and Black Cherry
According to Nicoletta, Jannik Sinner isn`t one to blindly pick. He approaches his gelato selection with the discerning palate one might expect from a connoisseur, or perhaps a strategist mapping out his next match. “Sinner knows his gelato,” Nicoletta revealed, “when he comes here, he tastes it before deciding.” Yet, despite his exploratory nature, two flavors consistently win his allegiance: pistachio and amarena (black cherry). One can only imagine the intense debates that must occur within the confines of his mind before settling on these tried-and-true favorites. Before departing for the demanding American hardcourt season, Sinner and Hasanovic were spotted making a strategic acquisition: a kilogram tub of their beloved frozen treat, ensuring a sweet send-off.
Laila Hasanovic: A Quiet Complement to the Superstar
Jannik isn`t alone in his gelato escapades. His girlfriend, Laila Hasanovic, is a frequent companion. Nicoletta describes Laila with genuine warmth: “I liked Laila very much, she is kind, just like Jannik. She is beautiful, very simple in her demeanor and how she dresses. In short, she`s a girl `acqua e sapone` (natural and wholesome).” The couple, she notes, converse in English – a detail that adds a touch of international flair to their otherwise local ritual. Their quiet presence perfectly aligns with the discreet nature of Monte Carlo, a city where celebrities often find refuge from relentless public scrutiny.
A Pantheon of Patrons: From Rising Stars to Tennis Legends
Of course, Sinner and Hasanovic are not the only prominent figures to grace the doors of “Santo Gelato.” Given its prime location in a celebrity-dense neighborhood, the gelateria boasts an impressive roster of high-profile clients. Fellow tennis players like Simone Bolelli, Daniil Medvedev, and Grigor Dimitrov have all indulged in its frosty delights. But perhaps the most memorable patron, according to Nicoletta, was none other than the legendary Rafael Nadal.
Nadal, during his training days in Monte Carlo, was a regular and, by all accounts, an absolute charmer. “When he played and trained here, the great Spanish champion Rafael Nadal also always came for ice cream, the most sympathetic of all,” Nicoletta recounted. “He wanted to learn how to make ice cream; he would ask my husband our secrets. A truly exquisite, genuinely likeable person.” Her admiration for Nadal is palpable, almost as if he was less a customer and more an enthusiastic apprentice. While Sinner is “on the right path” to matching Nadal`s legendary charisma, Nicoletta`s closing thought on the matter is unequivocal: “another Nadal will never be in the circuit of great tennis players.”
In a world captivated by Grand Slam victories and world rankings, these small anecdotes from a local gelateria offer a refreshing perspective. They remind us that behind the gleaming trophies and powerful serves, top athletes like Jannik Sinner cherish simple moments and familiar comforts. Monte Carlo, with its unique blend of glamour and quiet corners, provides the perfect backdrop for these fleeting glimpses of normalcy, proving that sometimes, the sweetest victories are found in a spoonful of pistachio and amarena.
