Politician apologises to Jannik Sinner as Wimbledon champ's plane immediately turns back

Jannik Sinner has received an apology from Italy's Minister of Sport, Andrea Abodi, after Italian officials failed to show on Centre Court to witness his Wimbledon win. The 23-year-old has since returned home to Monte Carlo, but not before swerving fans and reporters at an Italian airport.

Sinner made history at the All England Club on Sunday, avenging his bitter French Open final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz by besting the Spaniard 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 and becoming the first Italian to win a Wimbledon singles title. His tight-knit circle, including both his parents, were present to witness history. However, though King Felipe VI of Spain made an appearance to cheer on Alcaraz, there was a lack of Italian officials. Minister of Sport Abodi has now apologised for this, as light is shed on Sinner's journey home, as well as celebration plans.

As reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, Abodi has admitted it was 'disappointing' that no one from Italy's ranks could be there to encourage Sinner in person.

"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 stated.

"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."

Abodi also touched on whether Sinner will be honoured by Italian President Sergio Mattarella or Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and shed light on potential celebrations.

"Every victory has been celebrated, so I'm sure there will be one," he continued. "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."

Sinner and his parents have since left London by way of private jet, and the Italian caused a slight fuss when he touched down in his home country, as he didn't even leave the aircraft to greet fans. The 23-year-old reportedly set off from London's Northolt Airport on Monday afternoon and landed in Bolzano, northern Italy, at around 5:00pm local time.

However, even with a handful of journalists and fans waiting for his arrival, some with items for the newly crowned champ to autograph, Sinner failed to make an appearance in the airport lobby. Instead, he said goodbye to his parents from the plane and turned back around for Nice.

Sinner will return to his home in Monte Carlo before a few days' rest, while his mother and father will supposedly be right back to work at Haus Sinner, the bed and breakfast that they run at the foot of the Dolomites.

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Despite the gravity of his historic SW19 win, plans for lavish celebrations back home are thin. It is reported that Sinner is likely to return to his mountainous hometown of Sexten before he starts his preparation for the US Open, but only perhaps to unwind and play table tennis with friends.

Sexten mayor Thomas Summerer revealed: "It's incredible, these are historic moments for all of us, for Sesto, for all of South Tyrol, for all of Italy, but Jannik has so many commitments: thinking of a celebration is very difficult, perhaps we could organize something in the future."