Jannik Sinner: Paolo Bertolucci Gives a Blunt Response to Giovanna Botteri
Jannik Sinner is once again in the crosshairs of Italian journalists because of his residence in Monte Carlo. This time, the Italian player was criticized by RAI correspondent Giovanni Botteri, who, on the sidelines of an event, admitted that he didn’t approve of the South Tyrolean’s choice: “It really bugs me that Sinner lives in Monte Carlo. What I always wonder is: what does someone do with 70 million a year? These people have houses and stuff they don’t even remember they own.” Journalist Luca Sommi, who was with her, backed her up: “You earn 70 million euros a year, but why don’t you do like Alcaraz, who kept his tax residence in Spain?”
The controversy inevitably went viral on social media, with former tennis player Paolo Bertolucci fiercely defending the world No. 1: “When you’re the best in the world at your profession, it’s only natural to earn a lot. If the law allows you to live in Monte Carlo without breaking it, what’s the problem?” The debate on X, Facebook, and various social media platforms continues.
Sinner’s fans have rallied in his defense on social media, with comments referring to “social envy” and emphasizing that Monte Carlo is a practical choice for the South Tyrolean in terms of training, as it allows him to work daily with numerous colleagues on the tour. “It’s not a fake residence like those who actually live elsewhere. Besides, there Jannik can train with many colleagues without having to travel miles from his small village,” wrote one user, while another added: “There are at least three other Italian tennis players who plant their flags to show they train in Monte Carlo two or three times a year and then return to Italy. But no one says anything to them.”
Meanwhile, Sinner is enjoying a well-deserved break after his second consecutive triumph at Wimbledon. The South Tyrolean champion was spotted in Sardinia, in Porto Rafael, in the Gallura region, where, according to a report in ‘Chi’, he has even purchased a luxurious villa overlooking the La Maddalena archipelago. A purchase that, as reported by ‘Il Mattino’, could cost him as much as 3 million euros. By his side, as is now customary during the most important moments, is his girlfriend Laila Hasanovic, who was already in the stands during the Wimbledon final alongside the tennis player’s family.
However, the Sardinian break isn’t destined to last long. Sinner will soon have to return to training in preparation for the North American tour: the world No. 1 is on the entry list for both the Montreal Masters 1000—where he would make his debut directly in the second round around August 4 or 5—and the Cincinnati Masters, scheduled for August 13–23. The champion and his staff will have to decide whether to participate in both tournaments or focus on just one, with the primary goal of being at 100% for the U.S. Open. This is no small dilemma, considering that the chance to win all the Masters 1000 tournaments of the season remains an enticing option.
