Jannik Sinner at 12, Amelie Mauresmo explains her choice and responds to critics
Roll Garros director Amelie Mauresmo at a press conference in Paris explained the organizers’ choice to schedule Jannik Sinner’s match against Juan Manuel Cerundolo at 12 p.m.
The world number one, already exhausted by the last few intense months, had a physical breakdown in the third set when he was about to win the match. The former French champion did not mince words and vindicated her choice.
“The match at 12 o’clock was simply the best thing for everyone and for the tournament. I will never comment on TV requests, players’ requests, or anything like that. Players are free to talk about their requests or what they want. As a tournament, we’re not going to talk about it, whether it’s TV or players.”
Mauresmo also spoke about the tennis players’ protest over prize money that is considered too low: “We have initiated dialogue with the players, which, to be legally accurate, because of the ongoing lawsuit, we should not have done. This is also an explanation of why we have reached this point. The most important thing is to have this collaboration with the players as Roland Garros.”
The director of Roland Garros expressed optimism: “I think we also have a duty to better explain the model of the federation and Roland Garros, because it is an economic model and we are a non-profit organization. So it all goes back to the roots of tennis, the ITF, the ATP and also the WTA. We probably need to explain it better and make sure everyone understands the situation. That’s why I said, on one side and the other, I’m pretty confident that steps will be taken toward each other in a win-win way.”
Meanwhile, Sinner has already moved on. The world number one was spotted in Monte Carlo aboard his red Vespa Primavera 125 as the Principality prepares to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix. The plan for the future is clear: no tournaments on the grass at Halle and Queen’s, a complete check-up at the JMedical in Turin, Italy, and then specific preparation ahead of Wimbledon, where Sinner will appear as defending champion with the goal of defending the title he won in 2025.
