Absurd controversy over Jannik Sinner sends critics into a tizzy
Whoever always wins gets disliked, we know, but what is happening to Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros is hard to explain. Before each of the Azzurro’s matches, there are protests on social and various international media outlets against the decisions of the organizers, who are accused of favoring the world number one, who is disliked by many for the incredible consecutive string of victories he has put on his record in recent months.
The abnormal heat wave in Europe is unquestionably becoming a factor during matches at the Paris Slam. In the first round, Sinner made his evening debut at the Philippe Chatrier and the uproar erupted, amid accusations of a soft debut and favoritism. But the criticism also incredibly came after organizers released the time of the match with Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round, set for 12 p.m.
Even that time paradoxically sparked controversy not so much because of the heat but because of the humidity, which would be lower in that slot. “The choice to schedule Jannik Sinner’s match first on the Chatrier court is not the best one. It took the number 1 on the men’s scoreboard wanting to avoid the hottest time of day for the women’s match to get a time shift. Now both men’s matches occupy the coldest time slots on the schedule,” ruled one of the most followed tennis accounts.
Hence hundreds of comments for and against the Blue, ranging from those who accuse him of deciding when to play to those who defend him: “Strange, Sinner’s biggest weakness is fitness, so let’s make sure he doesn’t have to deal with the heat,” “They put Sinner in the first match to prevent him from being right in the scorching sun, they don’t even hide anymore,” “Sinner will play first tomorrow when the heat and humidity will be at their lowest: is anyone still surprised?”, is the tenor of the messages against Azure.
“Before they complained that Sinner always played at night, and Jannik had not even played his first round. Now they have scheduled him in the daytime, and they complain saying ‘it won’t be hot enough,’ ‘there won’t be enough humidity.’ Do they want to decide when he has to play?” retorted the fans of the four-time Slam champion.
The direct participant cut it short in a press conference, “I’m happy to play at night, I’m happy to play during the day. Anytime they let me in. I have already adapted very well to the heat in Indian Wells. It was very hot and I had no problems. We prepared well. The heat here is different, the humidity is not as high as in Australia or the United States. Every day counts, so we will have to get used to the heat.” The field will speak for him, as usual.
