The Masters 1000 of Cincinnati has experienced one of the most discussed moments of the season, not for a spectacular blow or a breathtaking match point, but for the incendiary statements of Adrian Mannarino after the defeat against Jannik Sinner.
As soon as he left the field, visibly disappointed, the French tennis player aimed at the finger at the weather conditions, claiming that bad weather was the real protagonist of the meeting. “Jannik Sinner won only because the rain interrupted and completely ruined my pace. I was playing well, I had control, but the interruptions broke my concentration and my game flow,” said Mannarino to the microphones of the press.
Hard words, who immediately went around the world. Within a few minutes, social media inflamed themselves: on the one hand those who supported French, remembering how rain interruptions can psychologically influence a tennis player; on the other, an army of Sinner’s fans ready to defend the mental and technical solidity of the Italian champion. The hashtag #sinnemannarino has quickly risen among the trending topic on Twitter.
Sports commentators were not staying to watch. Some defined the release of Mannarino “an unlegance unpleasant”, while others stressed that the same atmospheric conditions influenced both players, and that therefore the merit of the victory must be recognized to those who have been better at adapting. “Tennis is also the ability to manage the unexpected event, and Sinner has once again shown that he can do it,” commented a former Italian champion live on TV.
The reply of Jannik Sinner arrived a few hours later, short but very powerful. Intercepted by journalists when leaving the sports center, the Italian number one has not chosen controversy tones nor has he let himself be dragged into a war of words. With a half smile, he only pronounced five words: “I have nothing to say.”
This response, minimalist and calm, has displaced everyone. In an era of aggressive statements and fiery blow and response, Sinner’s controlled silence was interpreted as a sign of security and maturity. Many fans have seen him as a master blow: do not give further visibility to the opponent’s words and let the results in the field speak alone.
Meanwhile, the tournament continues and Sinner continues his race towards the title, strengthening his reputation as glacial player, capable of maintaining lucidity even under pressure. Mannarino, on the other hand, will have to live with the weight of an exit that has made more discuss the game itself.
One thing is certain: this episode will enter the Annals not so much for the final score, but for having shown two opposite ways of dealing with defeat and victory.
