Jannik Sinner says players don’t feel respected by the Grand Slams after boycott suggestion
· Yahoo Sports
Jannik Sinner has now weighed in on the ongoing debate about a potential Grand Slam boycott.
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The ATP star is the biggest name so far to share his thoughts on the issue.
It started when Aryna Sabalenka suggested players might walk away from Grand Slams if enough of them got behind the idea.
Coco Gauff followed up by saying she’d support a boycott as well.
But not everyone’s on board. Emma Raducanu said she wouldn’t take part because of her love for the majors.
Jannik Sinner responds to Aryna Sabalenka’s comments on potential Grand Slam boycotts
Photo by Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty ImagesSinner was asked about where he stands on the matter, with some players beginning to speak openly about a possible boycott.
The Italian backed up Raducanu’s comments regarding her love of the Grand Slams, but added: “It’s more about respect, you know? Because I think we give much more than what we are getting back. It’s not only for the top players; it’s for all of us players. Again, from men’s and women’s side, we are very, very equal.”
Sinner also hinted that while money is often cited as the main issue, there was something else pulling him towards Sabalenka and Gauff’s side.
He continued: “Of course, we talk about money. The most important is respect, and we just don’t feel it. I think we players, we are a bit disappointed also of the outcome of Roland Garros for example. So let’s see what’s coming.
“I think in the next couple of weeks we know also the prize money we’re going to have in Wimbledon. We truly hope that it’s going to be better. Then of course US Open.
“So I do understand players talking about boycott ’cause it’s somewhere where also need to start. Now it has been a very long time with this. Then let’s see in the future.”
Jannik Sinner talks boycotting a Grand Slam
Naturally, there was only one way to follow up – would Sinner actually consider sitting out a major event to make his point?
Sinner replied: “Of course, it’s tough to say. I cannot predict the future in a way.
“But at the same time I also believe that somewhere we need to start.”
“I understand other players not playing. But yeah, let’s see. Definitely I can see all the press conferences, and I’m definitely not the only one. It’s the first time that I feel like the players are all in the same scenario and in the same point of view.
“I think it’s also right because without that, without the players, they are not going to happen any tournaments. In the same time we also know and we respect the tournaments because they make us bigger as athletes. I mean, we are very neutral in that.
“But yeah, I mean, let’s see in the future.”
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