New Australian Open Boss Makes Awkward Blunder, Mispronouncing Jannik Sinner and Elena Rybakina’s Names as ‘Jacob’ and ‘Robakina’

Andrew Abdo replaced Craig Tiley as Tennis Australia CEO and Australian Open director. At the launch of the 2027 Australian Open, he made an awkward blunder while addressing the press and the sponsors.

Last month, Abdo talked about the possibility of shortening the men’s matches from the best-of-five-sets format. This sparked debate, which prompted the Australian Open official social media account to confirm that “five-set tennis is here to stay”. World No.2 Alexander Zverev and World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz have made it clear that they are not at all fans of this idea, with the Spaniard claiming that shortening the format can “kill the legacy” of the Grand Slam tournaments.

Before becoming the Australian Open boss, Abdo was the CEO of the National Rugby League (NRL). He believes that although he doesn’t have much experience in tennis, he can bring “a fresh perspective, energy and new ideas.”

Back to the Sinner and Rybakina mistake, Abdo called the Italian ace “Jacob” and Rybakina “Robakina” while mentioning them.

I think some amazing emerging rivalries, whether it’s Carlos Alcaraz against Jacob Sinner, or whether it’s the power of Robakina against the ferocity of [Aryna] Sabalenka, or maybe it’s one of our new up-and-coming Aussie superstars who’s gonna go deep into the tournaments… There is so much for us to get excited about.

Here’s the video:

Australian Open’s new tournament director is excited to welcome “JACOB” Sinner and “ROBAKINA” in 2027! Via @TheFirstServeAU https://t.co/C0eEl9M2DF

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 8, 2026

Abdo later told the press, “Of course I know that it’s Jannik Sinner.” He also confirmed that Sinner and his arch-rival Alcaraz have already signed up for the One Point Slam that will be held prior to the main draw event. In the exhibition event this year, Australian club player Jordan Smith beat WTA ace Joanna Garland in the final and took home one million Australian dollars.

Angelo Binaghi expects Jannik Sinner to play for a long time

Jannik Sinner will not be playing in the Davis Cup Finals as he has ended his 2026 season early because of his knee injury. He last played in the Wimbledon final, where he beat Alexander Zverev. Reacting to Sinner’s injury woes, Italian Tennis president Angelo Binaghi said he is not concerned about his compatriot, as he expects the World No. 1 to play for a long time.

Nowadays, tennis is played until the age of 40, so Sinner, if he’s in good health, should give us another 10 years of great results. I believe there’s room for improvement in a program that allows him to return to the top of the world without suffering any physical repercussions.

Angelo Binaghi said (H/T: Tennis365)

Carlos Alcaraz also dealt with injury setbacks as he injured his wrist during the Barcelona Open and sat on the sidelines for four months before returning to the tour at the US Open.

I think it’s a coincidence that the two strongest players in the world had an injury that kept them out. But I think that, on the one hand, Italian tennis can’t complain about what he and the other players have done this year, winning five Masters 1000s. And I also believe that, although it was a very unfortunate year because the four strongest players, both men and women, all had physical problems, the most important thing is to find all possible solutions to preserve their physical condition in the medium to long term.

Angelo Binaghi added

Alcaraz recently clinched his third title of the season at the Japan Open and will next be seen in action at the Shanghai Masters. The seven-time Grand Slam champion will start his campaign against Juan Manuel Cerundolo.

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