The tennis world is mourning the sudden and tragic death of Tobias Tappeiner, a former youth tennis star and childhood friend of Jannik Sinner. The 24-year-old died in a devastating car crash early Sunday morning on the A22 motorway in northern Italy, leaving a family of five seriously injured.
Wrong-Way crash on A22 motorway
According to authorities, the fatal accident occurred when Tappeiner mistakenly entered the southbound carriageway heading in the wrong direction near the Bolzano south junction, an area he was reportedly familiar with. Driving against traffic, he collided head-on with a minivan carrying a family from Varna, South Tyrol. The family was en route to the seaside for a holiday.
Emergency services responded swiftly. The parents were hospitalized in serious condition in Bressanone and Trento, while their three children aged 8, 11, and 14 were airlifted to Bolzano for urgent care. All five family members are expected to survive.
From tennis courts to tragedy
Tappeiner was a prominent figure in regional tennis, serving as a coach at Tennis Club Bolzano and instructing at his father Martin's TAP tennis school. Known for his fiery spirit on court and warm demeanor off it, he left a lasting impression in Italy’s tennis circles.
He shared a longstanding friendship and rivalry with current world tennis star Jannik Sinner. In a memorable 2014 under-12s tournament in Bressanone, Tappeiner defeated Sinner in straight sets, 7-6, 6-3. The two young athletes often traveled together representing the Bolzano team, with their bond captured in numerous photos shared online.
Heartfelt tributes pour in
Tobi was always smiling and kind, recalled Stefan Laimer, sports director at Tennis Club Bolzano. But on court, he became a lion — fierce, focused, and relentless. To beat him, you needed something extra. Otherwise, his sheer willpower would wear you down.
Laimer, deeply affected, added:
My son is the same age. They grew up together. We cannot fathom the pain his family is going through.
South Tyrol’s renowned tennis club, Plopp, also expressed its condolences via Instagram:
Tobias was a passionate athlete and a cordial person. He played for TC Bolzano in Series B1 and taught with dedication. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all who knew him. We also extend our thoughts to the injured family and hope for a full recovery. Rest in peace, Tobias.