"It broke my heart" - Jannik Sinner finds solace in fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti's historic Paris Olympics bronze medal as he rues missing the event
Jannik Sinner has opened up about his heartbreak over missing the opportunity to represent Italy at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Nevertheless, the World No. 1 took comfort in his fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti's success at the prestigious sporting event.
With Italy's last Olympic tennis medal won in 1924, Sinner was seen as the nation's best hope to end this 100-year wait at the Paris Olympics. The 22-year-old was set to compete at the event as the top seed in both singles and doubles, alongside Musetti.
However, the World No. 1 was forced to pull out of the Olympics due to a shock tonsillitis diagnosis, disclosing that his doctor had "strongly advised" him against competing.
In Jannik Sinner's absence, Lorenzo Musetti took up the mantle of championing Italian tennis in Paris, making an impressive run to the semifinals. Although the 22-year-old fell short against Novak Djokovic, he claimed a 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 win over Felix Auger-Aliassime in the bronze medal match to end Italy's century-long wait for a medal in tennis.
Speaking to tennis journalist Giovanni Pelazzo recently, Sinner admitted that it "broke his heart" to miss the Paris Olympics, disclosing that winning a medal had been one of his biggest goals for the season.
"I saw some of the Olympics, although I didn't watch much tennis. It broke my heart not to be able to go to Paris, the Games were one of my main goals of the season," Jannik Sinner said.
Although the World No. 1 admitted that he did not closely follow the tennis events at the Olympics, he rejoiced over his compatriot Musetti's historic bronze medal triumph.
Jannik Sinner also expressed hope that the Italian duo of Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini would bring home the gold in the women's doubles final against Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider, sharing that he would try to watch the match if his schedule allowed.
"In the end though, looking at everything from a broader perspective, Musetti won a bronze, so an Italian is happy and I am happy for him. Let's hope for gold tomorrow," he said.
"I don't know what my schedule will be like tomorrow yet, but if I have time, why not, I'd be happy," he added.
Jannik Sinner gears up for Canadian Open title defense after missing Paris Olympics
After missing the Paris Olympics, Jannik Sinner is set to make his highly anticipated comeback to the tour at the 2024 Canadian Open, which commences on August 6.
The Italian has entered the event as the top seed and defending champion, having triumphed over Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-1 in the final last year to clinch his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title.
Following a first-round bye, Sinner will take on Pedro Martinez or a qualifier in his opening match in Montreal. The 22-year-old will likely come up against Frances Tiafoe in the third round, with the likes of Andrey Rublev, Tommy Paul, and Denis Shapovalov looming as his potential quarterfinal opponents.