Panatta praises Sinner at Roland Garros: “Impressive and embarrassing”

At Roland Garros 2025, Jannik Sinner continues to enchant the public and to receive praise from tennis legends. Among the exceptional spectators at Suzanne-Langlen, during the match against Lehecka, there was Adriano Panatta, 1976 Parisian champion, accompanied by the former ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti. At the end of the game, Panatta did not hold back the enthusiasm for Sinner’s performance, calling him “impressive and embarrassing” for the opponents, thanks to his superiority on the pitch.

Sinner, an unstoppable talent

Panatta stressed that Lehecka is an “ideal” opponent for Sinner, since his style of play allows the blue to better express his qualities. However, when asked who could stop the young Italian talent, Panatta indicated Carlos Alcaraz as a possible obstacle. “Maybe Alcaraz … you need someone who does something different,” he commented. When the journalist suggested Jack Draper, Panatta nodded: “Here, it may be.”

A legendary anecdote about Borg and Barazzutti

Panatta’s mind then returned to Roland Garros 1978, when Björn Borg annihfounded Corrado Barazzutti in the semifinal with a clear 6-0, 6-1, 6-0. Panatta told a hilarious anecdote: the day before the match, he had joked with Borg, saying that Barazzutti was a fearful opponent, especially on the battle, and that he would “kick him”. Borg, perplexed, replied: “We’ll see.” The result was a tennis lesson, with Barazzutti who, ironically, thanked Borg for granting him a game.

Sinner’s future at Roland Garros

With his solid game and a sample mentality, Sinner confirms himself among the favorites of the tournament. Panatta’s words, a legend of Italian tennis, strengthen the idea that blue can aim for the title. However, the path to Parisian glory is still long, and opponents such as Alcaraz or Draper could represent significant challenges. What is certain is that Sinner is writing a new page in the history of Italian tennis, under the admired eyes of those who, like Panatta, have made history in Paris.