World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has pulled out of the Paris Olympics, leaving fans in a lurch and adding a twist to the Games. The Italian tennis player withdrew from the Olympics days before it began after falling ill with tonsillitis. But at the same time, he was spotted having some water time with his girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya, leaving fans confused over the withdrawal.

The Italian athlete revealed that he had become ill following a practice week in Monaco, stating that he was “sad and disappointed” to have to withdraw from the Paris Olympics. He stated, “After seeing my doctors on Tuesday and waiting an extra day to give myself some more time to see if my condition would improve, things unfortunately got worse.”

The world number one was scheduled to play in the men’s singles and doubles competitions with Lorenzo Musetti, citing the Olympics as “one of my main goals for this season.” But his health apparently threw a wrench in the plans.

Interestingly, earlier this year, during the French Open, Sinner and Kalinskaya made their romance official in a rare discussion of his private life.

Sinner told reporters at a first-round press conference that he was seeing the world number 24 who was born in Russia. “I’m with Anna, yes, but we keep everything very confidential – you know my confidentiality… I won’t say more.” Subsequently, he was expected to be a serious competitor in all categories at the mega event, thus his absence is a major setback.

However, the latest pictures of him chilling with his girlfriend in the water have left fans wondering about what went wrong as they shared their opinions on the viral picture of the couple.

Jannik Sinner’s pool pictures with girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya leave fans side-eyeing them  

Fans’ reactions to the Italian’s illness-related withdrawal from the Paris Olympics have been mixed, with some feeling disappointed and others skeptical. Some contend that hanging out with a girlfriend but not have been in the picture if it had been a high-stakes competition. A fan mentioned, “If it had been a tournament with millions of dollars in prize money, you can see how he would stuff himself with drugs to avoid withdrawing.” 

However, the couple’s water photo even garnered a broader response, with one fan writing, “Without money, the racket can’t move,” suggesting that athletes could not have the motivation to compete without financial rewards. Subsequently, this has led to criticism, with some labeling the world number one as “Jannik is unserious” and questioning the legitimacy of his illness.

Moreover, questions have also been raised about Sinner’s motivation, with some suggesting that his illness may serve as a justification, “if it’s true, a big disappointment! There is little to sanctify this.” In addition, another fan highlighted how the tonsillitis was just an excuse to take some time off, “we all know tonsillitis was an excuse. He wants to party with Anna.”

Sinner, who was forced to withdraw from what would have been his first Olympic Games, voiced his disappointment when he announced the news. He posted on social media that a doctor had diagnosed him with tonsillitis and “strongly advised” him not to play. The 22-year-old had been training hard on clay courts for a week, but had felt sick and slept for a few days before seeing the doctor.

But fans are not convinced. Their responses show how highly regarded players like Sinner are and how difficult it is for them to balance their personal and professional obligations. Even the greatest sportsmen in the world can benefit from prioritizing their personal and health care, as some have acknowledged in response to his withdrawal.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Sinner missing the Olympics? Do let us know in the comment section below.