Carlos Alcaraz: A minor incident divides Jannik Sinner’s fans

Jannik Sinner announced on Tuesday that he will not return to the court until 2027, in order to fully recover from the knee injury that forced him to take a break after the Wimbledon final. The news had been in the air following his withdrawals in recent weeks, but it still came as a shock to the ATP Tour, which will have to do without Italy’s world No. 1 for the next few months.

The South Tyrolean’s absence is being felt: during the Tokyo tournament, a Japanese fan dressed up as Sinner—complete with a green T-shirt and white cap—and showed his bandaged knee to Carlos Alcaraz, who was on the court practicing. The Spaniard, along with his staff, filmed the amusing scene on his cell phone.

The Spaniard’s reaction, which was immediately captured on video, divided the Italian player’s fans between those who laughed it off and those who took offense on social media. ““He 100% sent the video to Jannik in a chat,” “That’s just how guys are,” “We’re waiting for the Sincaraz,” “Great, Carlos—we miss the Sincaraz.”

Some, however, were offended: “Jannik would never have done something like that. I don’t find him likable at all,” “I don’t like this. And that other guy filming and laughing. Do you guys even know how a person might feel?” “It’s not funny at all that Carlitos filmed it.”