In a candid press conference after advancing to the third round of the 2024 US Open, Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner didn’t just discuss his on-court performance—he also shared his thoughts on the perils of social media.
Sinner, who expressed satisfaction with his progress between the first and second rounds of the tournament, took a moment to address the challenges of social media, especially for younger athletes. His comments came shortly after a similar outcry from fellow player Caroline Garcia, highlighting a growing concern in the sports world.
“It’s clear that social media has its positives, but there’s also a dark side,” Sinner remarked. “I try to spend as little time as possible on these platforms. It’s crucial to have a family that knows you well and keeps you grounded in the values that truly matter. When you’re young, you tend to care a lot about your reputation, and everything people say can seem so important. That’s why I always advise athletes to surround themselves with people who love and appreciate them for who they are.”
Sinner’s warning underscores the mental and emotional challenges that can come with being in the public eye, particularly for young athletes who may be more vulnerable to online criticism and pressure.
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In addition to his thoughts on social media, Sinner reflected on his recent match and the future of his team, which has seen the departure of key members Giacomo Naldi and Umberto Ferrara. “I’ve noticed improvement in my game since the first round,” he said. “Having a day to train made a big difference, and I’ll keep working hard to figure out the best way to compete on these courts.”
However, Sinner acknowledged the difficulty of finding new team members mid-season. “It’s a strange time, and I don’t want to dwell on it too much. We’re doing our best to find the right fitness trainer and physiotherapist, but it’s not easy. Hopefully, we’ll have some news by the end of the US Open.”
Sinner’s remarks offer a glimpse into the complexities of life as a professional athlete, from the pressures of social media to the challenges of maintaining a strong support team. As he continues his US Open journey, fans will be watching not only his performance on the court but also how he navigates these off-court challenges.
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