Jannik Sinner Breaks Silence on ‘Luigi’ Outfit for French Open That Sparked Meme Fest

Social media erupted with Luigi memes thanks to Jannik Sinner's blue and green Nike kit for the French Open.

Jannik Sinner Breaks Silence on ‘Luigi’ Outfit for French Open That Sparked Meme Fest

Luigi from Mario franchise, Jannik Sinner (Image via My Nintendo News, Jannik Sinner)

When Jannik Sinner played his first match at the French Open against Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, his Nike outfit became a topic of discussion. He has been at the receiving end of hilarious memes, thanks to his kit, as many think he looked like ‘Luigi’, the character from the Mario franchise.

Some fans criticized Nike for making Sinner wear an outfit that features blue shorts, a blue cap, and a white-collared green shirt. According to some fans, Sinner looked as if he was going to school.

Even his own coach, Darren Cahill, mocked him. The Aussie coach took to Instagram after Sinner’s win over Richard Gasquet to share a picture of the Italian ace and Luigi with the caption, “Forza Luigi” followed by a laughing emoticon.

During his Italian Open campaign this year, Sinner donned an all-black outfit and, according to fans, he was in his ‘Darth Sinner’ avatar. Sinner also expressed his preference for darker shades, and that he doesn’t like the bright colors. Memes flooded social media after the sharp turnaround in Nike’s style of outfit for Sinner for the French Open, so much so, that he posted a couple of pictures of himself with the caption, “Luigi back on court” after destroying Jiri Lehecka in the third round.

He had to explain the Luigi memes and his outfits after his fourth-round win over Andrey Rublev (following which, fans even shouted “Bye Luigi“). For Sinner, it’s good to wear clothes of different colors.

It’s nice, you know? I feel like sometimes we need to see the funny part also no, at times. It’s something different, the outfit. It’s also nice sometimes to change up. If not, it’s always too boring. It’s good to have something on at least.

Jannik Sinner explains his calm on-court demeanor

Jannik Sinner has developed a reputation for being super calm on the court and not showing any emotion at all. Even under extreme pressure, he wears an impassive expression. But only he knows that even if he looks ice-cool, there’s a storm raging inside him. He explained later that not showing his emotions is also a part of his tactics.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (via X/The Tennis Letter)

It’s absolutely not like that. I have a storm inside me, but tennis is a very mental sport and you try not to show your emotions too much to your opponent. At the beginning of my young career, the storm was also outside, not only inside.

Sinner has made it to the French Open quarterfinal for the third time and had produced his best in the event when he reached the semifinals last year, losing a hard-fought five-setter to eventual winner Carlos Alcaraz. The Italian is on a 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments as before the French Open, he defended his Australian Open title and lifted his first US Open title last year.

Sinner has also become the fifth youngest man in the Open Era to progress to the six consecutive quarterfinals in Majors. After recording a 7-3 head-to-head record over Andrey Rublev, he clinched his 72nd win at a Grand Slam tournament.

The 23-year-old will next be locking horns with Alexander Bublik, who came from a set down to beat fifth seeded Jack Draper to progress to his first French Open quarterfinal. Bublik has met the Italian ace four times, registering the win only once- in their last encounter at the 2023 Halle Open.

If Sinner reaches the semifinal, he will meet the winner of the Alexander Zverev versus Novak Djokovic quarterfinal clash. Sinner is 3-4 against the German player in the head-to-head matchups, while against the 24-time Grand Slam champion, he is 4-4. If he reaches the final, he could face Carlos Alcaraz.

Also read: Daria Kasatkina Surprised at How Fast Mirra Andreeva Has “Grown a Lot” After Losing to the Teenager at the Roland Garros