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via Reuters

via Reuters

Medical breaks occur in tennis when one player feels that they need immediate medical attention in order to ensure they can continue playing without any risky physical issues. Jannik Sinner recently required a medical break during one of his matches. During the deciding set, he fell, which prompted him to call for medical help. But this gesture annoyed his opponent, who further stirred up a fuss by mocking Sinner for his act.

Mocking players for requiring medical breaks happens often in tennis. Earlier this year, at the Adelaide International, Novak Djokovic took a break to treat an injury. His act was further mocked by his opponent, Daniil Medvedev. Sinner’s opponent has created a similar controversy.

Jannik Sinner derided by ATP number 33

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In the ongoing China Open, Jannik Sinner faced Dan Evans in Round 1. The two played their best and tied at one set each. Earlier in the deciding set, Sinner suffered a fall and clutched his thigh after trying to return a shot. The Italian player then motioned for the medical team to arrive at his side and took a break to recuperate from the pain he was experiencing.

USA Today via Reuters

As Sinner took some time, Evans grew increasingly frustrated at the delay. The match resumed after Sinner returned to the court, but Evans was seething. During a changeover, he decided to ridicule his opponent by limping and clutching his thigh. After the mocking act, he laughed while turning to the crowd. A video of the moment went viral on social media.

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The 22-year-old won the deciding set, but the main talking point of the match became the tasteless moment when Evans mocked his opponent. This is not the only instance of mocking when a player decides to take a medical break.

Novak Djokovic mocked for injury break

During his semifinal bout in the Adelaide International, Novak Djokovic faced Daniil Medvedev. During the first set, Djokovic seemed to experiencing difficulties in his hamstrings and decided to call the physio team to help him with the discomfort. Medvedev did not believe that Djokovic was injured and made fun of him by imitating his limping actions later.

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After his act went viral on social media, tennis fans worldwide slammed the Russian star for this move. Djokovic fans hounded him on social media, calling his act disrespectful and him classless. Dan Evans mocked his opponent in the same way and is receiving flak for his act as well. While players decide to ridicule their opponents in such an unsportsmanlike manner, they are not likely to get away with it in the eyes of the fans. 

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