Jannik Sinner’s superfans, the Carota Boys, make their debut Down Under،
MELBOURNE, Australia — The Carota Boys followed Jannik Sinner from Italy to Paris, New York, Wimbledon and beyond. Today, fans, according to Sinner, are “becoming more famous” than him, making waves down under for the first time.
The Carota Boys are so popular – six childhood friends, Lorenzo Ferrato, Francesco Gaboardi, Gianluca Bertorello, Enrico Ponsi, Alessandro Dedominici and Alberto Mondino – that they even held a press conference in Melbourne's main interview room Park before Sinner.
The group formed as a joke after Sinner was spotted munching on carrots during a policy change in Vienna in October 2019. Since then, the Carota Boys have traveled the world in support of the 22-year-old. years and have generated a social media presence that some top 100 tennis players would envy.
The trip to Australia completes the “Career Slam” for Italian superfans, who have cheered for Sinner at all three major Northern Hemisphere tournaments in 2023.
“I didn't expect them to come here, but it's nice to see them in the stand,” Sinner said after his first-round victory over Botic van de Zandschulp.
“Obviously we made some good memories together, right? With all the support they give me. They're becoming more famous than me, little by little.”
Sinner said he was looking forward to having strong support in Melbourne as he works his way to a maiden Grand Slam title.
“You know, I'm happy for them, it's good to have them. Obviously, I also have to look out for myself, because I want to win as many matches as possible, but maybe this support gives me, in key moments, that extra belief,” he said.
“Let's see how it goes here. But I'm glad they're here.”
Since the Carota Boys have been on Sinner's trail, it's hard not to be impressed by the Italian's track record. He helped Italy win the Davis Cup after narrowly losing to Novak Djokovic in the ATP Finals title match. He also finished the year ranked 4th in the world, a career-high.
Jannik Sinner met the Carota Boys for the first time.
There are 5 very happy carrots in this stadium today. 😂
– The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 2, 2023
Sinner is one of the main men tipped to challenge 10-time Australian Open champion Djokovic this fortnight, and the Carota Boys will make the entire trip with him.
“We are like supporters, we hope all the time [us being here] gives the best results, but in Italy we have something like, you don't say what you really want, so as not to bring luck, you know, we [are superstitious]” said one of the Carota Boys.
“Let’s watch the games and support him in the best way possible, and keep our fingers crossed.”
And on the tough days, when Sinner isn't on the field, the boys in orange plan to see the best of Melbourne. The first one up? Kangaroo watching and hot air balloon flight over the city.
Sinner will face Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong in the second round on Wednesday.
