Andy Roddick is coming to Jannik Sinner’s protection because the 2003 US Open champion says there are good causes to consider that the 23-year-old was telling the reality when he mentioned that he did not go to a star-studded Saudi Arabia for main cash.
In case you missed it, the 23-year-old collected the biggest-ever match prize cash in tennis historical past after successful the Six Kings Slams in October. By simply coming to Riyadh, the world No. 1 pocketed a really good $1.5 million. And after going 3-3 there and successful the title, he earned a further $6 million – which introduced the overall to a shocking $7.5 million. The exhibition occasion lasted 4 days.
In addition to Sinner, there have been 5 different massive names competing – Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune. Earlier than and throughout the match, just about all of them obtained sure criticism as a result of some felt that they simply signed up for the occasion as a result of there was an enormous payday assured.
And since was the one who went house with the largest a part of cake, he was the one which obtained essentially the most consideration. However when requested about it, the two-time Grand Slam champion insisted his major aim in Saudi Arabia was to get some good motion fairly than acquire massive cash.
“I don’t play for cash. It’s quite simple. After all, it’s a pleasant prize and the whole lot however for me, I went there as a result of there have been probably the six greatest gamers on the planet. After which you possibly can measure your self with them. It was additionally a pleasant occasion for me. It was the primary time I went to Riyadh and it was good. While you come again as a winner, for me, it was extra that, okay, I performed the matches in the precise method and this hopefully can enhance me as a participant additionally for the longer term,” the Italian tennis star told Eurosport following his Saudi triumph.
Jannik Sinner© YouTube screenshot
After making those comments on Saudi money, the 23-year-old was even ridiculed by some and also accused of simply providing a politically-correct answer.
Roddick: Sinner doesn’t act like someone who goes about it for money…
The 42-year-old American agrees that some players probably went to Saudi Arabia for money. But when it specifically comes to the current world No. 1, he explains why there are reasons to believe that he wasn’t lying.
“He mentioned one thing like, ‘Tennis for me is not concerning the cash.’ However clearly, Saudi was about [the money]… there was a collective eye-roll about it, however I believe his level was clearly in the event you go to Saudi, you are going for work causes, proper? Quickest payday he’ll ever have. Three days, six million, bingo-bango. I do not assume 5 days of motion supplants him not fascinated with cash one time throughout the US Open semifinals. I actually discover it arduous to consider if he knew how a lot he would win for a semifinal or like a Masters 1000,” the American tennis legend said on the Served With Andy Roddick podcast.
“I do not actually assume he is aware of that. He would not act like somebody who goes about it for cash. And for 4 days, large money seize, and I do assume lots of people bought that backwards. Two issues may be true. You go someplace for 5 days for a money seize, however his [priorities] are his scheduling, when he is coaching, when he is doing all these issues.”
Alcaraz openly admitted he went to Riyadh for money
In the Six Kings Slam final, the Spanish tennis star was a set away from winning the title and being the one going home with the historic prize money. Sadly for him, he didn’t manage to close out the match after Sinner completed a 6-7 (5) 6-3 6-3 win.
Later, Alcaraz was also asked if he went to Saudi Arabia because of a huge payday. And he admitted the cheque was absolutely one of the reasons why he agreed to play in Riyadh.
“Well, I mean, if I say I went there just for fun or to play and forget the money, I’m gonna lie. That’s obviously. I mean, every person work for that, as well. You know, that’s how life is about. You know, I love playing tennis. You know, most of the time I don’t think about the money. I just play for love or for fun. But you have to be realistic. You have to think that you want to earn money, you know, and that’s it. You know, in Arabia is the most highest prize money ever in the history, so that was a good motivation, at least for me,” the 22-year-old admitted.
Alcaraz’s open confession was one of many the explanation why some did not consider Sinner.
