Madrid Open: Jannik Sinner’s Abrupt Decision Draws a Sincere Yet ‘Disappointing’ Reaction From Andy Roddick

Jannik Sinner is not having a stroke of great luck in the Madrid Open. Although his consecutive victories in the tournament hinted at a successful run on the court, he recently withdrew from the quarterfinal of the tournament because of his hip injuries. But Andy Roddick has his back. Roddick shared his perspective on Sinner’s decision to step away from the tournament with a not-so-surprising yet disheartening reaction.

Currently ranked No.2, Jannik Sinner started the 2024 season with a bang. Not only did he earn his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open, but he also bagged his Miami Open title last month. However, his dream of winning the Madrid Open title needs to halt for now. Due to his persistent right- hip injuries, the Italian has declared his withdrawal during his third appearance in the tournament.

And referring to this, Roddick commented, “I don’t think it’s surprising because he has been pretty honest about talking about it. I don’t think he is someone that points at injuries if they are not actually there.” 

Roddick, who himself has suffered from injuries like hamstring and shoulder injuries, often had to take some time off the court. Not only that, but the reason behind his retirement was also a shoulder injury and a torn muscle. Therefore, when it came to understanding the need for Sinner to take a break, the former World No. 1 showed his support. “I think this is the right call. If you don’t want to risk further, injury, you have now a good six-seven days before you have to come back for Rome. This feels the right call, even though it’s disappointing.”

As Roddick mentioned, the 22-year-old is scheduled to have his Masters 1000 event in Rome later this month. Therefore, the quarterfinalist of the Rome tournament of 2022, is taking rest to come back in form there. But the decision to withdraw was not easy for Jannik Sinner, as he himself expressed.

“Very sad to have to withdraw,” says Jannik Sinner after his withdrawal from the Madrid Open

During his last match against Pavel Kotov, Jannik Sinner seemed uneasy on court because of hip discomfort. Addressing his pain in the post-match interview, he confessed, “I have been struggling a little bit with my right hip. We’re trying to find a solution and I don’t think it’s anything serious. Sometimes I feel it more like today and some days are a little bit better.” But even though he won that match, he won’t be facing his next opponent, Felix Auger Aliassime, on Thursday.

He withdrew from the tournament and stated, “Very sad to have to withdraw from my next match here in Madrid. My hip has been bothering me this week and has slowly been getting more painful.” Jannik Sinner further added that he is advised to not play further in the tournament so that the injury doesn’t get worse. But he remains hopeful that he will recover soon and make his comeback to the tennis court.

Sinner’s withdrawal is indeed disappointing news for his fans. But as Andy Roddick suggested, it might be the right thing for him now to emerge stronger and better in his upcoming tournaments.