Andre Agassi provoked a huge reaction following his comments about Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros this year.
Sinner suffered a shock defeat to Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round of Roland Garros this year, despite leading his Argentinian opponent by two sets and 5-1.
The world number one was clearly struggling in the extremely hot conditions in Paris, but Agassi claimed there was ‘no excuse’ for Sinner’s sudden demise in the third set.
Many have reacted to Agassi’s strong words on Sinner, and now Wimbledon qualifier Oliver Tarvet has also joined the debate.
Oliver Tarvet calls Andre Agassi’s comments about Jannik Sinner ‘criminal’
British ATP player Tarvet has qualified for the main draw of Wimbledon for a second successive year in 2026, but prior to competing in the preliminary stages of The Championships, the 22-year-old spoke to Tennis365, where he was asked about Agassi’s recent comments on Sinner.
Although Agassi stated that he was not saying Sinner was unfit, Tarvet suggested the eight-time Grand Slam champion’s comments were ‘criminal’.
Where does Jannik Sinner’s defeat to Juan Manuel Cerundolo rank among the most shocking results in tennis history?
“To call him unfit, I feel like it’s criminal,” said Tarvet. “It’s just the fact that he’s playing so many matches, the fact that he’s winning so much just has a massive emotional and physical toll on you.
“It’s just not easy, you know, doing it in nice conditions, but it’s even more difficult doing it when it’s when it’s hot and the sun’s beaming down and you’re playing best of five sets.
“Maybe some guys might try and make it as physical as possible against him, hoping that you might be able to tire him out, but I feel like tennis wise he is better than everyone else, to be honest.
“His ball striking ability is incredible. The challenge is getting to four and five sets with him because he is normally cleaning up in three.”
Oliver Tarvet comments on Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s success
Tarvet has never experienced playing against Sinner before, but he did face his biggest rival Carlos Alcaraz last year.
After reaching the second round of Wimbledon, Tarvet was beaten by Alcaraz in straight sets and he was full of praise for both the Spaniard and Sinner when reflecting on their recent dominance.
“Sinner is playing some incredibly good tennis right now,” added Tarvet. “I feel like what Sinner and Alcaraz are doing, them being so dominant is, is not easier. It feels almost normal for them to be literally showing up to every tournament and winning, but that is not an easy feat.
“If they win, it’s like okay you did what you are supposed to do. Then when they lose, it’s like the world went upside down.
“For me, the tennis player, knowing what it takes and the emotional toll that it takes to play your best week in and week out is really difficult, so what they are doing is incredibly impressive.”
Now that the draw is out, which British player do you think will do the best at Wimbledon?
Tarvet knows that he will not play Alcaraz at Wimbledon this year, with the world number two still sidelined due to a wrist injury.
All the British players have learnt their draws for Wimbledon this year, as Tarvet will play 25th seed Arthur Rinderknech in the first round.
