Jannik Sinner’s scheduling comments criticised by Roger Federer’s ex-coach – ‘not as simple’

Jannik Sinner pictured in a presentation ceremony.
Jannik Sinner and Paul Annacone

Jannik Sinner’s controversial scheduling comments have been refuted by Roger Federer’s former coach Paul Annacone, who claims it is “difficult” for players to judge when they should compete.

Scheduling has been at the forefront of debate within the sport in recent months, with high-profile figures such as Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek speaking out about the issue.

Both Alcaraz and Swiatek have been heavily critical of the ATP and WTA Tours for the number of events players are required to play, though ATP No 1 Sinner previously offered a different view.

Speaking at the China Open last month, the Italian claimed that players can still “choose” what events to compete in.

“The schedule is quite long these years. But as players, we can still choose what to play and what not to play,” said Sinner.

“Obviously we have some mandatory events, yes. As a player, you can still choose.

“It is a very busy schedule this year, there are a lot of tournaments. [But] you don’t have to play in a tournament. If you want, you can play. If not, you don’t play.”

The world No 1’s comments have attracted criticism from some, including his fellow ATP stars.

Earlier this week, French No 1 Ugo Humbert said Sinner was among those “not thinking clearly” about the scheduling debate.

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And, speaking on Tennis Channel, Annacone has also been critical of the Italian.

The former world No 12, most famous for his work with Federer and Pete Sampras, said it was “easier” for Sinner to decide as a top-ranked player.

Annacone said: “I loved hearing Jannik Sinner say, ‘Yeah, that’s a lot of tennis. There’s too many tournaments. But if you don’t want to play, don’t play.’

“Obviously, it’s easier when you’re one of the best players in the world, but if you’re going to be competing in year-end championships, trying to meet your commitments in terms of teams, sponsorships, partners, etc., it’s very difficult to determine when not to play.

“So it’s not as simple as that to say if you don’t want to play, you don’t play. But the structure of the professional tour is really fractured, and always has been.”

ATP Tour rules state that players should enter at least all four Grand Slam events, seven out of nine Masters 1000 events, and at least four ATP 500-level events across the season.

Rules are stricter on the WTA, where players are expected to enter all four majors, 10 WTA 1000 tournaments, and six WTA 500 events.

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