Dispute over night games: scandal in Paris: Sinner withdraws from the tournament

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Jannik Sinner (22, ATP 4) is currently one of the most popular irons in the tennis world. The young Italian has won two of his last three tournaments. He lifted the trophy both in Vienna and at the China Open this fall. Sinner was also one of the favorites at the Masters tournament in Paris-Bercy, which has been taking place since Monday.

But in Paris, the shooting star from South Tyrol remains untitled. And this despite the fact that he controlled his second round match against the American Mackenzie McDonald (28, ATP 42). Alex de Minaur (24, ATP 13) would have waited in the eighth finals last night. But the game doesn’t take place. Because Sinner gives it up willingly.

Decision for health and body

The reason for the tennis star’s surprising withdrawal is the planning of the organizers. Sinner’s match against McDonald lasted into the early hours of the morning and his victory was not confirmed until 2:37 am. The problem: Thursday at 5 p.m., the same day, he should have been back on court against Minaur. A burden he does not want to impose on himself.

“I had less than 12 hours to rest and prepare for the next match,” says Sinner, explaining his decision to withdraw from X. “I have to make the right decision for my health and my body.” The ATP Finals in his home country and the Davis Cup are scheduled for him in the coming weeks. “Now I am focusing on preparing for these important tournaments,” he wrote.

Sinner’s renunciation causes a stir in the scene. For example, his competitor Casper Ruud (24, ATP 8) finds clear words. “Bravo, ATP Tour!”, he writes ironically on X. And then adds to those responsible: “What a joke!”

Vasek Pospisil (33, ATP 287) also sharply criticized the organizers. “The ATP Tour has never cared about the players,” said the Canadian, who is involved in Novak Djokovic’s PTPA, an organization that aims to defend the interests of tennis stars against the ATP. “In 2018, I finished a three-hour match at 12:45 PM and was scheduled to play again the next day at 1:00 PM. No joke. All I was told at the time was: this is within the rules.” Pospisil participated, but paid dearly for it. “I suffered a hernia during the competition, had surgery and was out for nine months.”

Sinner wants to avoid such a fate by retreating. A decision that makes it clear that the rigid ATP schedules are in urgent need of revision. Beni Linder also sees it this way. Swiss Tennis’ head fitness coach Blick recently described scheduling matches at night as a “pathological development” that has long-term consequences for the athletes’ health. (sbe)

Source : Blick