Jannik Sinner said a “new chapter” had begun in his career after becoming the first Italian to reach world number one.
The 22-year-old replaced Novak Djokovic as the top of the rankings on Monday, after Djokovic dropped to third place after 39 weeks in the top spot.
Sinner has had an impressive 2024, winning the Australian Open in January and the Miami Open in March.
He reached the semifinals of the French Open but lost in five sets to eventual winner Carlos Alcaraz.
“We’re going to go hunting now and see what we can catch,” Sinner told the BBC World Service.
“We want to have that great feeling of lifting the trophy again and again, so for us it’s just part of the process.
“Obviously, I’m very happy to be number one, but now everyone is trying to beat me.
“Now a new chapter begins. Let’s see how long we can stick with it.”
Sinner reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon last year and his first big test as world number one comes next month at the All England Club.
He will be the top seed when the tournament begins on July 1.
Sinner believes that with “more effort” he can reach a second major final in London.
“Wimbledon is a fantastic opportunity,” he added. “Obviously it’s the most special tournament of the year for us so I’m happy to be taking part.”
“I believe in my heart that if I’m in good physical condition, I can play good tennis.”
“Italy deserves a tennis star”
Sinner becomes the 29th player to be ranked world number one since the men’s singles rankings were introduced in 1973.
The previous Italian record was held by Adriano Panatta, who was ranked fourth in the world in 1976, but Sinner broke that record by reaching world number three in February.
Italian tennis is doing well, with Sinner one of five Italian players currently ranked in the men’s top 50, all of whom are under the age of 23.
Meanwhile, Jasmine Paolini reached the final of this year’s French Open but lost to Iga Swiatek and is now ranked seventh in the women’s world.
The country will win the Davis Cup in 2023 for the first time in 47 years.
“That’s what Italy deserves,” Sinner said.
“I think tennis in Italy is going in the right direction and our goal has always been to develop the sport as much as possible.”
“We can be idols and inspirations for young people.”
