Jannik Sinner is the latest player to be asked about this ongoing debate over the potential boycotting of the Grand Slams.
And, he is by far the most high-profile ATP star to offer his verdict.
First was Aryna Sabalenka, who argued players would boycott Grand Slams if enough started the movement.
Then, Coco Gauff agreed that she would boycott too.
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However, not every player was on board, with Emma Raducanu claiming she would not boycott due to her love of the Grand Slams.
Jannik Sinner has now stated his views.
Jannik Sinner reacts to Aryna Sabalenka’s claims about boycotting Grand Slams
Speaking to the press, he began by being asked where he stands on this hugely controversial topic.
The Italian began by reiterating Raducanu’s point about how much he loves the Grand Slams, but then stated: “It’s more about respect, you know? Because I think we give much more than what we are getting back. It’s not only for the top players; it’s for all of us players. Again, from men’s and women’s side, we are very, very equal.”
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Sinner also indicated that, whilst money was obviously the driving factor, there was another pushing him towards Sabalenka and Gauff’s side.
He added: “Of course, we talk about money. The most important is respect, and we just don’t feel it. I think we players, we are a bit disappointed also of the outcome of Roland Garros, for example. So let’s see what’s coming.
“I think in the next couple of weeks we know also the prize money we’re going to have in Wimbledon. We truly hope that it’s going to be better. Then, of course, US Open.
“So I do understand players talking about boycott ’cause it’s somewhere we also need to start. Now it has been a very long time with this. Then we see in the future.
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Off the back of that question came another, and it was the only natural follow-up. The reporter was keen to learn whether he would be willing to miss a big event in order to try and gain that ‘respect’.
Sinner admitted: “Of course, it’s tough to say. I cannot predict the future in a way. But at the same time I also believe that somewhere we need to start.
“I understand other players not playing. But yeah, let’s see. Definitely I can see all the press conferences, and I’m definitely not the only one. It’s the first time that I feel like the players are all in the same scenario and in the same point of view.
“I think it’s also right because without that, without the players, they are not going to happen any tournaments. In the same time we also know and we respect the tournaments because they make us bigger as athletes. I mean, we are very neutral in that.
“But yeah, I mean, let’s see in the future.”
