Andy Roddick is coming to Jannik Sinner’s protection because the 2003 US Open champion says there are good causes to imagine that the 23-year-old was telling the reality when he stated 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 profitable 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 profitable the title, he earned an extra $6 million – which introduced the full to a surprising $7.5 million. The exhibition occasion lasted 4 days.
Moreover Sinner, there have been 5 different massive names competing – Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune. Earlier than and through 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 dwelling with the most important a part of cake, he was the one which obtained probably the most consideration. However when requested about it, the two-time Grand Slam champion insisted his main objective in Saudi Arabia was to get some good motion fairly than gather massive cash.
“I don’t play for cash. It’s quite simple. After all, it’s a pleasant prize and every thing however for me, I went there as a result of there have been presumably 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. Whenever you come again as a winner, for me, it was extra that, okay, I performed the matches in the best means and this hopefully can enhance me as a participant additionally for the long run,” the Italian tennis star instructed Eurosport following his Saudi triumph.
After making these feedback on Saudi cash, the 23-year-old was even ridiculed by some and in addition accused of merely offering a politically-correct reply.
Roddick: Sinner does not act like somebody who goes about it for cash…
The 42-year-old American agrees that some gamers in all probability went to Saudi Arabia for cash. However when it particularly involves the present world No. 1, he explains why there are causes to imagine that he wasn’t mendacity.
“He stated one thing like, ‘Tennis for me is not in regards to the cash.’ However clearly, Saudi was about [the money]… there was a collective eye-roll about it, however I feel his level was clearly should 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 eager about cash one time through the US Open semifinals. I actually discover it arduous to imagine if he knew how a lot he would win for a semifinal or like a Masters 1000,” the American tennis legend stated on the Served With Andy Roddick podcast.
“I do not actually assume he is aware of that. He does not act like somebody who goes about it for cash. And for 4 days, huge money seize, and I do assume lots of people acquired that backwards. Two issues might 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 brazenly admitted he went to Riyadh for cash
Within the Six Kings Slam remaining, the Spanish tennis star was a set away from profitable the title and being the one going dwelling with the historic prize cash. Sadly for him, he did not handle to shut out the match after Sinner accomplished a 6-7 (5) 6-3 6-3 win.
Later, Alcaraz was additionally requested if he went to Saudi Arabia due to an enormous payday. And he admitted the cheque was completely one of many the reason why he agreed to play in Riyadh.
“Properly, I imply, if I say I went there only for enjoyable or to play and overlook the cash, I’m gonna lie. That’s clearly. I imply, each individual work for that, as effectively. You realize, that’s how life is about. You realize, I really like taking part in tennis. You realize, more often than not I don’t take into consideration the cash. I simply play for love or for enjoyable. However it’s a must to be life like. It’s important to assume that you simply wish to earn cash, you already know, and that’s it. You realize, in Arabia is probably the most highest prize cash ever within the historical past, in order that was motivation, a minimum of for me,” the 22-year-old admitted.
Alcaraz’s open confession was one of many the reason why some did not imagine Sinner.
