A Repubblica: «Who knows what the haters will come up with now. There’s always someone who pops out and attacks me.”
Italy’s Jannik Sinner celebrates after victory against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic during their men’s singles semi-final match on day 13 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 26, 2024. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —
La Repubblica interviews Pietrangeli. Sinner has achieved first position in the world ranking. The words of the former Italian tennis player:
«Nicola, your first thought? «Joy for the boy who became a man. Sincere congratulations to Jannik. And then, immediately afterwards, I wonder what the haters will come up with about me this time».
Pietrangeli: «If he goes to the final I would go down to reward him even in a wheelchair»
Are you referring to the accusations of egocentrism? But weren’t they a little outdated?
«Exact. But when ever: there’s always someone who pops out and attacks me. But how is it done? I am sorry
it’s just that my words, even joking, have been misunderstood».
We needed a boy like Sinner:
«He’s unique. But, if I may, the work of the federation should also be celebrated. I think it’s there for everyone to see».
So, let’s repeat: no jealousy?
«Absolutely not. Jannik deserved this result. Good boy»
And what if Sinner were to reach the final?
«Well, if it happens and maybe they insist, I couldn’t say no to a request like that. At the cost of going down
on the Central with the wheelchair. I would really like to reward him, I mean it».
«Who will now have to watch his back. In the sense that if before they wanted to beat him because he could have been a good prey, now they will all take the field with that fixed thought. But I don’t think he needs this suggestion: he and his team have understood everything about the world, we can rest assured».
Boris Becker: «Maintaining first position is more difficult»
Boris Becker, former German tennis player, interviewed by Gazzetta dello Sport after Sinner achieved number one in the rankings. The German was the youngest Wimbledon winner, at 17 years and 227 days, as well as the only man in history to win two Slams before turning 19.
What does it mean to be the best in the world?
«That becoming one is difficult, but maintaining it is much more difficult. Everything from now on will have to be perfect, from his mentality to his physical condition. And then improve, always improve, that’s why Djokovic remained at the top for 428 weeks. You got it right? 428 weeks…».
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