Billie Jean King once said, ‘Presure is a privilege- it only comes to those who earn it.’
This means that if a tennis player works diligently on their play and performs well, they will be given the opportunity to play in more and more important matches, where the level of pressure is likely to be higher. Thus, in the opinion of the renowned tennis player, “pressure” is a reward bestowed upon those who perform well.
So, if we take this angle, then the Top 8 players who will shortly compete in the elite, season-ending ATP Finals are undoubtedly under immense pressure right now, aren’t they? The pressure to live up to the expectations of their family, friends, and the countrymen who support them nonstop must surely be on them.
Well, Jannik Sinner begged to differ. When speaking about the subject recently, the world No. 3 Italian player downplayed the pressure of tennis and compared it to real world problems.
Sinner: ‘Playing tennis is something that honors us’
In The Tennis Letter’s most recent X post, Sinner offered his opinion on the stress associated with playing tennis. He noted that the pressure of the game is not comparable to that of a surgeon or a family member who must provide dinner, but rather the uncertainty of whether a bomb will explode in one’s home in five hours or five days.
“The pressure of tennis? It’s nothing compared to a surgeon, or a head of the family who has to bring dinner. The real pressure is not knowing if a missile will explode at your home in 5 hours or 5 days,” the Italian player said.
“ Playing tennis is something that honors us,” he added.
Jannik Sinner says the pressure of tennis is nothing compared to someone who has to bring home food for their family:
“The pressure of tennis? It's nothing compared to a surgeon, or a head of the family who has to bring dinner. The real pressure is not knowing if a missile will… pic.twitter.com/KmYfLmPzrq
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 10, 2023
Fans’ reactions to Sinner’s perspective
When they read the statement, a lot of fans were astounded by how mature the twenty-two-year-old Italian player was. They believe that the statement demonstrates Sinner’s comprehension of the real world, even though he has been preoccupied with his recent tournaments.
One fan wrote, “Jennik Sinner’s comment is spot on. It’s shows how aware he is of life in the current world. He also appreciates his gifts and will surely be a great champion.
While one fan added that perhaps his background may have contributed to his appreciation of the advantages he is enjoying as a professional tennis player, as well as his measured response to losses, writing, “Such a pleasure to have this young man on tour. His background upbringing probably influenced his recognition of the privileges he is experiencing as a tennis professional and his exceptionally grounded responses to defeats. May he be a role model for many youth.”
One fan also noted how his sentiment is closely similar to that of Coco Gauff’s view on the pressure of the sport: “jannik is echoing Coco here, good for him, so true, so true…”
Last September, Gauff also said a similar thing in a post-match conference at the US Open, stating, “I think it’s just putting my life into perspective.. I realize in a way it’s pressure, but it’s not. There are people struggling to feed their families. There are people who don’t know where their next meal is gonna come from, people who have to pay their bills. That’s real pressure, that’s real hardship, that’s real life.”
Coco Gauff says playing tennis is not real pressure compared to people who are struggling to feed their families:
“I think it's just putting my life into perspective.. I realize in a way it's pressure, but it's not. There are people struggling to feed their families. There are… pic.twitter.com/3rZfLV1056
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 7, 2023
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