Jannik Sinner's private jet quickly flies back as politician apologises for Wimbledon snub

Italy's Minister of Sport, Andrea Abodi, has extended an apology to Jannik Sinner for the lack of Italian officials at his landmark Wimbledon win. The 23 year old tennis star returned to Monte Carlo post-victory, managing to avoid the media and fans upon landing in Italy.

Sinner clinched a historic win on Centre Court at the All England Club last Sunday, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping contest 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, thus becoming Italy's first singles champion at Wimbledon and rectifying his French Open disappointment.

Despite the presence of his family, there were no Italian dignitaries to witness his triumph, in stark contrast to King Felipe VI of Spain, who attended to support Alcaraz.

Minister Abodi has since apologised for this absence, as reports surface about Sinner's discreet return to his residence in Monte Carlo and forthcoming celebration arrangements.

As reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, Abodi conveyed his apologies regarding the situation and shared his own experience of watching Sinner's victory from a distance, reports the Mirror.

"How did I experience Sinner's Wimbledon victory? With great emotion, from a distance, because, unlike so many other times, this time I didn't go. Even a minister sometimes has to stop, needs to stop, to spend a day with his family," he said.

"It's disappointing that the Italian institutions are absent. I think the most important thing is to be able to celebrate an achievement that brings everyone together. It can happen that the institutions are absent, and that's what happened here.

"We're sorry about that because it would have been much nicer to be there, but sometimes we too have life circumstances that prevent us from doing so, and I don't think this deserves a judgment that, all things considered, distracts from the great joy that should unite us all. The most important thing is to celebrate Jannik's victory."

When asked about potential official recognition for Sinner from President Sergio Mattarella or Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Abodi hinted at possible celebrations, stressing the need to align with both institutional and the athlete's schedules. He assured: "Every victory has been celebrated, so I'm sure there will be one," adding, "The issue is simply finding common ground between the institutional agenda and, above all, Jannik's sporting agenda, which is our priority.

"When he's ready, when he can, when he wants, we'll certainly all be here ready to welcome him, to embrace him, and to truly embrace the Cup he deservedly won in London."

Meanwhile, Sinner and his family made their departure from London aboard a private jet, touching down in Bolzano, northern Italy.

Reports suggest he departed Northolt Airport on Monday afternoon, arriving in Bolzano at approximately 5:00pm local time. Although several journalists and supporters had gathered at the airport in anticipation of his arrival, some clutching items for autographs, Sinner was conspicuously absent from the terminal's main area.

Following a brief farewell with his parents aboard the aircraft, he swiftly made his way back to Nice. Sinner is expected to return to his Monte Carlo home for some well-deserved rest whilst his parents resume their usual responsibilities, operating Haus Sinner, their guest house situated beneath the Dolomites.