"Jannik Sinner’s full of sh*t";"Even watching is too much bother for him" - Fans ridicule Italian's 'heartbroken' claim about missing Paris Olympics
Jannik Sinner's admission that he hasn't been keeping up with the tennis events at the 2024 Paris Olympics has sparked backlash from fans. Many have questioned the sincerity of the Italian's claim that he feels "heartbroken" about missing the prestigious sporting event.
After pulling out of the Paris Olympics due to a shock tonsillitis diagnosis, Sinner is set to make his much-awaited comeback to the tour at the Canadian Open, commencing on August 6.
Speaking to tennis journalist Giovanni Pelazzo at the Masters 1000 event in Montreal, Sinner admitted that he hadn't been following the tennis action at the Olympics and expressed his regret about missing the event.
"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.
Nevertheless, the 22-year-old expressed his delight at Lorenzo Musetti ending Italy's 100-year wait for another tennis Olympic medal with his bronze triumph.
The World No. 1 also signaled his support for compatriots Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini, hoping they would bring home the women's doubles gold, and mentioned that he would try to watch the final if his schedule permitted.
"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.
Fans on social media were unimpressed by Jannik Sinner's remarks, arguing that his sentiments were at odds with his admission of not even watching the tennis events at the Olympics.
"I like Jannik Sinner, but he’s completely full of sh*t," one fan commented.
"If he can’t make it anymore obvious that he didn’t give a flying f… about olympics," another fan chimed in.
"Even watching his country compete is too much bother for him," a fan wrote.
"He is fake and insincere," said another.
Others expressed their disappointment with the World No. 1's seemingly "disinterested" response about whether he would tune into Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani's women's doubles final.
"Wrong answer…. The girls are going for GOLD…. You say “absolutely I’ll be watching them and supporting them FORZA ITALIA” or whatever yall say…. He never gives enthusiastic support. People are starting to clock that," one fan posted.
"He sounds so… disinterested. kinda disappointed tbh," another fan wrote.
"The Olympics were very important to me, but I haven't seen the other Italians' matches. Meh. The women's doubles final? Pfff... I don't know if I'll see it, I don't care. Maybe if my playing schedule allows it (he has a bye in the first round and doesn't play tomorrow)," said another.
Fans also ridiculed Jannik Sinner for claiming to be "heartbroken" over missing the Olympics, especially since he is set to compete at the Canadian Open shortly afterward.
"Hahahah heartbroken to the point that he withdrew 4days before the start of the games and 2 days later he was on a plane to canada," one fan contended.
"But you got your bu** to Montreal awfully fast," another fan chimed in.
"So tonsillitis disappears when you play in Montreal?!" said yet another.
"I haven't touched a racket for a week, but everything is fine now" - Jannik Sinner shares fitness update ahead of Canadian Open title defense
Having clinched his maiden Masters 1000 title at last year's Canadian Open, Jannik Sinner will aim for a successful title defense on his comeback to the tour, entering the tournament as the top seed.
The 22-year-old shared a positive fitness update ahead of his opening match, admitting that he feels "much better" physically even though he has gone a week without picking up his racket.
Sinner also disclosed that he has been working closely with his team to ensure that he can maintain the same high level of consistency he has shown all season.
"I'm fine physically, much much better, I haven't touched a racket for a week, but everything is fine now. I arrived earlier than usual here in Canada. My team and I try to do everything in the best possible way, trying to be ready for every challenge that arises," Jannik Sinner told Giovanni Pelazzo.
"I'm very happy to return to the country where I won my first Masters 1000, we will try to continue to be as consistent as we have been in the last year," he added.
Following a first-round bye, Jannik Sinner will commence his campaign in Montreal against Pedro Martinez or a qualifier. The Italian is on the hunt for his second Masters 1000 title of the season after his Miami Open triumph.