World number 2 tennis player Jannik Sinner found himself at the center of a heated debate after publicly announcing that he will not participate in the next “Tennis Pride Night”, an event organized to promote inclusion and support of the LGBTQ+ community within sport. His statement, in which he stressed that “tennis should focus only on results on the court, not on political issues or social movements”, divided fans, players and commentators around the world.
The announcement came during a press conference before the Shanghai Masters, where Sinner was asked if he would join the initiative. Calm but firm, the 23-year-old Italian responded that he respects everyone’s opinions, but prefers to focus on the sport itself. “I have always believed that tennis is about performance, discipline and competition,” he said. “When we start mixing politics or movements, the essence of the game changes.”
His statements quickly went viral, sparking strong reactions from the entire tennis community. Some praised Sinner for holding firm to his beliefs and professionalism in an increasingly politicized sports world. “He has the right to focus on his game,” one fan wrote on social media. “Athletes shouldn’t be forced into activism if they don’t want to.” Others, however, have condemned his stance as insensitive and outdated, accusing him of ignoring the importance of representation and inclusion in modern tennis.
Several players reportedly expressed disappointment behind the scenes. One star player, who asked to remain anonymous, told reporters: “It’s not about politics. It’s about visibility and respect for everyone in our sport.” Even former world number 1 Billie Jean King, a long-time supporter of equality in tennis, intervened indirectly, writing on X (formerly Twitter):“Sport has always been a platform for progress. Even silence is a statement.”
The Italian Tennis Federation declined to comment directly on Sinner’s words, but issued a brief statement in which he reiterated his “commitment to diversity and respect for all players.” Meanwhile, ATP officials stressed that participation in Pride Night events remains voluntary, although they “encourage all players to show solidarity with inclusivity efforts.”
Sinner’s decision could have broader implications for his public image. Known for his calm demeanor and focus on performance, the young star has built a reputation as one of the most disciplined and modest players in tennis. However, this controversy put him in an unusual spotlight, not for his forehands or titles, but for his off-court opinions. Marketing experts predict his comments could influence endorsement deals, especially with brands that publicly support equality initiatives.
However, many observers have noted that Sinner’s words reflect a growing sentiment among athletes who want to separate sports from social activism. In recent years, debates around political expression in sport have intensified, with figures such as Novak Djokovic, LeBron James and Naomi Osaka taking different approaches to public promotion. Sinner’s position, while controversial, fits into a broader debate about where to draw the line between sporting competition and social commitment.
When asked later if he regretted his comment, Sinner remained composed: “I respect everyone’s choices. I just think my job is to play tennis, win or lose on the court, not make statements off the court.”
It remains to be seen whether his decision will fade over time or become a defining moment in his career. But one thing is certain: Jannik Sinner has sparked a much broader debate than the sport itself, challenging tennis to reflect once again on the balance between performance, principles and public expectations.
