Jannik Sinner became the hope of all Italian tennis fans after Matteo Berrettini started falling slowly. Sinner stepped up after Berrettini’s slump and gave smashing performances back to back. He now ranks 8 in the ATP rankings, which he achieved in April. Although his portfolio has become impressive, one former Italian player, known for his unpopular remarks about the Swiss Maestro, believes that Sinner still falls short. Paolo Bertolucci, a former player and sports commentator, does not believe that Sinner can live up to the potential people imagined for him. 

This is not the first time Bertolucci has given a scathing remark. As the world bid farewell to Roger Federer as an active player, Bertolucci was less affected than the rest. While commending the Swiss Maestro’s efforts, he stated that tennis would thrive without him. 

Former Italian tennis player disappointed in Jannik Sinner

Sinner has not performed up to the mark when it comes to grand slams. However, the number 8 has seen some success come his way in Master’s tournaments with two finals. The 21-year-old rose to the top 10 fast but still aims to attain a trophy above ATP 500. Although his rise was exciting and promising, his lack of titles has made some Italian fans disappointed. 

One such fan is Paolo Bertolucci, a former Italian player. Bertolucci stated that the current players from Italy are not good enough to challenge the stars. He gave the example of Matteo Berrettini, who faced Novak Djokovic in the 2021 Wimbledon final. He added that Sinner was someone with immense potential who had only become worse with time.

“The Italian had us used to beating opponents behind him in the standings without problems, and instead in the last two months he has faced unexpected defeats. In the best version of him, Sinner was a computer programmed to perfectly enhance the three or four fundamental elements of his game, and instead the right search for new solutions seems to have taken away his certainties and awareness,” Bertolucci said, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Read more – 21-Year-Old Jannik Sinner Picks His Favorite Roger Federer Moment and Dishes Out the Difficulties of a Surface That the Swiss Maestro Conquered Time and Time Again

Bertolucci stated the solemn state of Italian tennis, but his remarks on Roger Federer’s retirement were more shocking.

Bertolucci’s apathy during Roger Federer’s retirement

Many were inconsolable as Federer decided to step off the ATP tour permanently. Many imagined the state of tennis would change drastically after the Swiss Maestro left. However, Bertolucci was not fazed. The reporter simply said that while it was a great loss, the sport will continue to thrive after Federer’s retirement.

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He gave the example of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, who are still outperforming younger players. Although slightly out of place during the event, Bertolucci’s statement proved to be true, as Carlos Alcaraz is one player who has stepped up in the Swiss Maestro’s absence.