“He has got a lot of integrity than that,” Roger Federer’s ex-coach defends Jannik Sinner for playing at the Six Kings Slam for money
Roger Federer's ex-coach Paul Annacone defended Jannik Sinner after the Italian defended his participation in the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh.
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Jannik Sinner and Paul Annacone (via Tennis Gazette/TopCourt)
Jannik Sinner sparked plenty of debate after revealing that he did not play in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event for the prize money. Roger Federer’s ex-coach Paul Annacone has come to the Italian star defense, stressing that the best players take their fair share of the sports money.
Sinner has won two Grand Slams and three Masters 1000 titles this season, as well as two ATP 500 crowns. However, all his tournament victories have only earned him a little above $12 million. Meanwhile, at the exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia, the 23-year-old won three matches and walked home with a whooping $7.5 million.
Sinner earned $6 million for winning the title and $1.5 million in participation fees. Several tennis legends, including Andy Roddick, criticized the tournament and the prize money on offer. With growing criticism against the tournament, Sinner stated that he did not compete at the Six Kings Slam for the money.
The World No. 1’s statement sparked more criticism and debate about the tournament’s prize money. However, Annacone has defended Sinner, insisting that he didn’t say anything wrong.
But just like any other big business, there is a price for players to go to certain places at certain times of the year. sure, it was the best players in the world and an opportunity to face them, but it was also an opportunity to make the right business decision for him. There’s nothing wrong with that. I don’t think he needs to defend playing for money or not. I don’t think he plays solely for money. Obviously, he has got a lot more integrity than that.
Paul Annacone said (via tennis365)
Sinner has been away from the ATP Tour since his triumph at the Shanghai Masters. He will be back on the court at the Paris Masters, where he is among the favorites to win the title.
Paul Annacone slams Jannik Sinner for his scheduling comments
For the past few months, several players have criticized the ATP and WTA jam-packed tennis schedule. Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Ugo Humbert have all confessed their displeasure about the 2024 hectic season.
On the other hand, Jannik Sinner stated that he didn’t have any problem with the schedule, as players can choose which tournament to compete in. Paul Annacone slammed the Italian star for his comments, stating that the World No. 1 didn’t think about the lower-ranked players.
It’s easier when you are number one in the world, obviously, but if you are right around the cusp of making year end championships or meet commitments in terms of team sponsorship partnerships it’s very difficult to figure out when not to play. It’s not as cut and dry as if you don’t want to play, don’t play, but the structure is really fractured and always has been.
Paul Annacone expressed
The Paris Olympics added to the congested tennis schedule this summer, as players had to switch quickly from clay to hard courts overnight. The Davis Cup Group phase and Laver Cup have also intensified the hectic season.
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Victor Okechukwu
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