Grand Slams Reign Supreme: Sinner's Prudent Path
Strategic Withdrawal: A Sound Decision for Long-Term Success
Paolo Bertolucci has come to the defense of Jannik Sinner, supporting his decision to forgo the Canadian Open. The former Italian player highlighted that Sinner's priority lies in physical recovery and focused preparation for the US Open, a move he deems strategically superior to chasing a less significant milestone. Bertolucci's column in Gazzetta dello Sport emphasized that Sinner's careful planning should not be questioned, given the rigorous demands of professional tennis.
Masters 1000 Records: A Secondary Consideration
Sinner's absence from Montreal ended his pursuit of becoming the first player to win all ATP Masters 1000 tournaments in a single season. Despite an impressive streak of five titles in 2026 across Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Rome, Bertolucci believes that the focus on this particular record is misplaced. He argues that after a demanding first half of the season, including a full clay-court schedule and a Wimbledon victory, Sinner's team has made a sagacious decision. Bertolucci lauded Sinner's maturity and the wisdom of his support staff, stating, "He has a magnificent team behind him and he is not just a mature guy: he is much more than that. In fact, a thousand times more."
The Hierarchy of Tennis Tournaments: Grand Slams are the Ultimate Prize
Bertolucci contends that many critics fail to grasp the true hierarchy of professional tennis events. While acknowledging the importance of Masters 1000 tournaments, he firmly places Grand Slams at the pinnacle of prestige, likening them to a "World Cup." He elaborates that the ATP Finals also hold a higher status than the Masters 1000 series, which he labels as "Serie C." In his view, Masters 1000 events primarily serve as crucial preparation for the Grand Slams rather than standalone objectives that warrant risking a player's physical well-being. This perspective, Bertolucci notes, aligns with the practices of tennis's most revered champions throughout history.
The True Measure of Greatness: Beyond Minor Accolades
Bertolucci dismisses the historical milestone of sweeping all nine Masters 1000 events as a "tin medal," arguing that the physical toll required to achieve it would far outweigh the actual reward. He underscores that such a record offers little tangible benefit and could jeopardize a player's health. For Bertolucci, the real glory lies in Grand Slam victories. He illustrates this point by referencing the legacies of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, whose careers are primarily defined by their Grand Slam titles rather than their Masters 1000 achievements. Sinner's focus remains on the US Open, where he aims to defend his 2024 title, a goal Bertolucci believes is far more significant than any missed opportunity in Canada. Sinner's journey will continue in Cincinnati before he heads to Flushing Meadows, where he anticipates another significant challenge, potentially from Carlos Alcaraz.