Tennis fans on the internet recently targeted Jannik Sinner for committing to the 2024 Canadian Open shortly after deciding to not represent Italy at the Paris Olympics. He enters the draw in Canada as the defending champion.
Sinner is currently the World No. 1 in men's singles and was supposed to be Italy's frontrunner in the quest for a gold medal at Roland Garros, but decided to forgo international duty citing tonsillitis.
"I am saddened to inform you that unfortunately I will not be able to participate in the Paris Olympic Games. After a good week of clay training I started to feel unwell. I spent a couple of days resting and during a visit the doctor found tonsillitis and strongly advised me against playing," he announced in an Instagram post dated July 24, 2024. (translated)
However, it has come to light that Sinner will be traveling to Montreal for the Canadian Open that begins on Tuesday, August 6. Darren Cahill, the Italian's head coach, posted on Instagram about his departure to Canada for the Masters 1000 event, causing a stir among tennis fans on X.
A fan expressed disappointment suggesting Sinner preferred defending 1,000 ranking points over potential international glory at the Games.
"A master title in which no top player will be playing is of more importance to him than representing the country that has supported his career. Not surprised at all," the fan wrote.
Another fan doubted the validity of Jannik Sinner's health problem, writing:
"The shortest tonsillitis infection in the history of mankind ijbol."
Here are a few more reactions from X:
"Who's surprised?" a fan wondered.
"Damnnnnn.... Maybe keeping that #1 ranking is the only priority. Good for him ig," a fan wrote.
"Ehh f the country we ready to get some points," a fan remarked.
"Dan Evans gave up on defending Washington so he can play for UK and alongside Andy for his last tournament. Dropped to 171 in live ranking. Meanwhile the world No.1 gave up playing for his country so he can go to Canada and defend his 1000 points. FORZA," a fan wrote.
Jannik Sinner - "Missing the Games is a huge disappointment"
In his announcement post on Instagram, Jannik Sinner expressed regret over missing the 2024 Paris Olympics and looked forward to representing Italy at the quadrennial event next time.
"Missing the Games is a huge disappointment as it was one of my main goals for this season. I couldn't wait to have the honor of representing my country in this very important event," he wrote.
The 2024 Australian Open champion extended his support to fellow Italians who were going to fight for medals in Paris, writing:
"Good luck to all the Italian athletes who I will support from home. Forza Italia."
After Jannik Sinner's withdrawal, Andrea Vavassori, who made the Italian squad as the doubles specialist, was told to fill in. Vavassori managed to win against Spain's Pedro Martinez in the first round but lost to Norway's Casper Ruud in the second.
In Jannik Sinner's absence, Lorenzo Musetti has led the charge alongside Matteo Arnaldi and Luciano Darderi and remains the only player afloat in the singles draw.