Jannik Sinner passes motorcycle driving test in Monaco on fifth attempt

Motorcycle license secured in Monte Carlo

World number one tennis player Jannik Sinner passed his motorcycle driving examination in Monte Carlo on 2 October 2026, overcoming a test that required five attempts. The 25-year-old Italian had failed the motorcycle evaluation four consecutive times in previous months before finally earning the credential. The result was announced on Instagram by the Monaco driving school Monaco Bonne Conduite, which published a photo of Sinner standing alongside his instructor. With this official certification, the South Tyrolean athlete is authorized to ride high-displacement motorbikes, moving beyond the small-engine two-wheelers permitted under standard automobile licenses. Supporters on social media offered congratulations alongside humorous warnings urging him to ride carefully and protect his injured right knee.

Thank you so much Jannik for your trust and kindness. Congratulations on successfully passing your motorcycle license exam, we are very proud to have supported you throughout this training.

Coaching banter and public admissions

The driving test had developed into a recurring humorous topic between Sinner and his team earlier in 2026. Coach Darren Cahill first raised the issue publicly in early April during the opening episode of the video series "Jannik Sinner Unfiltered: Q&A" on YouTube. At minute 2:01 of the broadcast, Cahill questioned Sinner directly on how many times he had repeated the motorcycle exam. After an initial hesitation, Sinner laughed and admitted to three consecutive failures.

Wimbledon revelation and pressure

Sinner addressed the ongoing licensing saga again following his victory over Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final on 12 July 2026. Speaking during the traditional Champions' Ball at the All England Club in London, the world number one disclosed that he had retaken the driving exam immediately prior to departing for the tournament. The test resulted in a fourth consecutive failure, which he recounted with self-deprecating humor when asked about handling tournament stress.

I failed the motorcycle license exam four times. Before coming here I took it again and failed again. What else puts pressure on me? I don't know. Maybe next year you will ask me the same question.

Extended injury hiatus and upcoming schedule

The licensing achievement occurred while Sinner remains on leave from the ATP Tour due to an inflamed right knee. Sinner has not contested an official match since his Wimbledon final in July, missing tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati, the US Open, and the ATP 500 event in Beijing where he was unable to defend his 2025 title. Sinner secured his 91st week atop the ATP world rankings, though Alexander Zverev could overtake him if Sinner sits out the Shanghai Masters and Zverev captures back-to-back titles in China. Sinner is entered in the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh from 21 to 24 October 2026, where he faces Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals with a potential clash against Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, before scheduled tournament appearances at the Paris Masters, the ATP Finals, and the Davis Cup.