Jannik Sinner is about to face Roland Garros after a slight disappointment at the Internazionali d’Italia in Rome, where he reached the final but had to surrender to the excellent Carlos Alcaraz, who took away his joy of returning to the court after his disqualification in the most beautiful way: winning in front of his own fans.

Now it’s time to start the new clay season in France, but right at the press conference for the Rai program “Reazione a catena,” whose return is imminent with Pino Insegno as host, some words came out that have sparked much discussion. Insegno expressed his hope that Jannik Sinner won’t be present at Roland Garros: “Even if he doesn’t win any tournaments, nothing will happen… I don’t wish him any harm, just a simple cold.”

This sarcastic joke has sparked a significant backlash among fans and across Italy, where Jannik Sinner is now a symbol of success that transcends the mere world of tennis and sports. Insegno’s remarks came quickly from the context of a press conference for the Rai program, which coincides with Roland Garros, one of the most anticipated and followed events on the international tennis circuit, even more so due to Sinner’s presence.

The reason for this provocation is related to the fear that Pino Insegno’s show could lose the challenge of television ratings to sporting events, a competition Insegno ironically recalled having won in the past: “We went live against the match… against the high jump final… against the Davis Cup final… and despite everything, the ratings always gave us the advantage. This year we will confirm it and continue to advance.”

The debate is ongoing, and Insegno’s remarks have divided public opinion between those who consider the joke merely a joke and those who see it as disrespectful to a young Italian talent who proudly represents the country in the world of tennis.