SUMMARY
- After meeting Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, Jannik Sinner was accused of not knowing politics.
- Fans were angered as they thought Jannik Sinner had crossed the line for his act after reaching Italy.
The 2024 season started on a record-breaking note as Jannik Sinner captured his first grand slam title. By winning the Australian Open, he became the first Italian to lift the trophy in Melbourne. It was a proud moment for Italy, as it had not seen much success on the ATP tour in the past few decades. Sinner’s victory was crucial, as he met with the top leaders in the country.
Sinner was seen meeting the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni. They both shared a hug, but it did not go well with the fans. Few of them even condemned the hug, as they considered her a “fascist.” One fan commented, “Jannik Sinner not only met with but gave a long hug to a Fascist. Shame on him.” Meloni had posted a video of her meeting with Sinner on her official X handle.
“Oh, he went for the WARM emrabce with Fascist Polly Pocket huh,” commented another fan to showcase their disappointment in Sinner. One fan spoke about the allegations of dictatorship and fascism in Italy as false. “I inform foreign users that what is said about Italy regarding Fascism and dictatorship is nonsense,” said the fan while posting the video of Sinner and Meloni.
The Italian player has yet to comment on his meeting with the Prime Minister. Sinner had only performed his duties as a citizen, but the fans felt he had gone too far with the hug. They preferred him giving a handshake with Meloni. Sinner has been busy since winning the title in Melbourne. He will be taking a break for a few days to recover.
Serena Williams’ ex-coach backs up Jannik Sinner
Sinner was bashed by the fans for meeting and hugging Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. But he found support on the tour through Serena Williams’s former coach. Rennae Stubbs was part of Serena’s team during the 2022 US Open. Stubbs has been a vocal supporter of players’ rights on the tour. She had spoken for Andy Murray when the fans criticized him for his form this season.
This time, the former Australian player defended Sinner for his actions after the Australian Open. She took to X to describe the personality of the youngster. She said, “You will not meet a nicer guy than Jannik Sinner! Whatever your politics or his, this guy is a guy all Italians should be proud of.” Stubbs praised the world No. 4 as his sports achievements made the country proud.
You will not meet a nicer guy than Jannik Sinner ! Whatever your politics or his, this guy is a guy all Italians should be proud of.
— Rennae Stubbs 🇦🇺👍🏼 (@rennaestubbs) January 31, 2024
Sinner will ensure not to get distracted by the fans’ politics. The 22-year-old will return to the courts to prepare for the upcoming matches. He still has many milestones to cover this year and win more grand slams. Sinner is three wins away from completing 200 career wins and is also on a seven-match winning streak. He is next expected to play in Rotterdam.