Former world number one Andy Roddick has voiced his concerns regarding the recent injury trend among tennis players, particularly highlighting the case of rising star Jannik Sinner.
Reflecting on the events at the Madrid Masters, where Andrey Rublev emerged victorious after a controversial path to the final, Roddick delved into the issue during an episode of the “Served by Andy Roddick” podcast. He was particularly critical of the ATP tour’s scheduling practices, which he believes contribute to players’ susceptibility to injuries.
Roddick’s analysis centered on Sinner, who has been grappling with a hip injury that forced him to withdraw from the Rome Open and potentially jeopardizes his participation in Roland Garros. Roddick expressed his dismay over the situation, stating, “Jannik Sinner is out of Rome. And the hip situation seems a little scarier than it once was what they thought internally with his team, and they haven’t named the specific injury.”
The former tennis star highlighted the gravity of Sinner’s absence from the Rome Open, especially considering his recent success and popularity in Italy. Roddick emphasized the significance of Sinner’s stature in the sport, likening him to a “bonified Beckham-level celebrity” in Italy.
Roddick’s commentary shed light on the broader issue of injuries plaguing the ATP tour, with players like Sinner facing the consequences of rigorous schedules and demanding physical exertion. He lamented the tendency in tennis to downplay injuries, urging a more transparent approach to diagnosis and treatment.
As Sinner’s injury casts a shadow over his promising career, Roddick’s remarks underscore the need for greater attention to player welfare and scheduling reforms within the tennis community. With injuries impacting not only individual players but also the integrity of tournaments, Roddick’s critique serves as a call to action for stakeholders to prioritize the health and well-being of athletes.
As the ATP tour continues, Roddick’s concerns echo the sentiments of many within the tennis fraternity, highlighting the imperative of addressing systemic issues to safeguard the future of the sport and its athletes.
Jannik Sinner in 2024
Now ranked no.2 (career-high), the Italian played his last match on the 30th of April when he defeated world no.18 Karen Khachanov 5-7 6-3 6-3 in the 4th round in Madrid (draw).
This season the Italian achieved an overall 28-2 win-loss record. Jannik has won 3 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Rotterdam and Miami.
Sinner has scheduled to compete next at the French Open (French Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 26th of May.
Jannik Sinner |
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