Jannik Sinner, John McEnroe’s imaginary comparison makes the point well
Despite the disappointment of his early exit from Roland Garros, John McEnroe continues to believe firmly in Jannik Sinner. For the former world number one, in fact, the South Tyrolean remains one of the main favorites for Wimbledon and has all the qualities needed to defend the title he won on London’s grass.
Interviewed by La Stampa, McEnroe commented on the Italians’ progress in Paris and the withdrawal of Sinner, who was forced to leave the tournament in the second round due to heat stroke. The former U.S. champion admitted his surprise at the presence of so many Italians in the advanced stages of the French Slam: “I wouldn’t have expected the Italians to still be here.” Special praise was reserved for Flavio Cobolli: “On the other hand Cobolli is the second highest seed in that part of the draw, he is a guy who knows what he is doing. He’s a great athlete.”
Words of esteem also for Matteo Berrettini, who has returned competitive after physical difficulties in recent years: “Then I love Berrettini, seeing him come back after all he’s been through, and potentially against Flavio it could be a semifinal.”
McEnroe then addressed Sinner’s forfeit, explaining how complicated it is to express himself at the highest level when physical conditions are not optimal: “It’s like Superman being hit by kryptonite, it’s no fun to play in that state.” The American then recalled his own personal experience: “I was lucky enough not to suffer from cramps, at least when I was playing: now it happens to me all the time and it’s a terrible feeling.”
According to McEnroe, the Italian number one was nonetheless very close to qualifying: “Jannik has a very clear skin, I know they are doing everything they can to find a solution and anyway he was one game away from victory.” Hence the reflection on the unpredictability of the sport: “One more game and we would be talking about him today. Sometimes you lose and it’s not your opponent’s fault, and that’s a horrible thing. In any sport.”
Already looking ahead to the season on grass and a return to Wimbledon, McEnroe has no doubts about the Italian’s chances: “He can win it again, absolutely.” A statement certifying the former U.S. champion’s confidence in Sinner and his chances of returning to prominence on the London courts, despite the bitter Parisian interlude.
