"Doesn't act like someone who goes about it for money": Andy Roddick defends Jannik Sinner

Andy Roddick weighed in on the enormous prize money earned by Jannik Sinner at the Six Kings Slam and defended the idea that the Italian prioritises his on-court performance over financial gain. Nonetheless, Roddick acknowledged that the World No. 1 is likely aware of the massive earnings he has accumulated.

Sinner pocketed over $6 million for winning the exhibition tournament in Riyadh, the highest prize in tennis history, far surpassing the $3.6 million he earned by winning the US Open or the $4.8 million he claimed as an undefeated champion at the ATP Finals.

When asked about his historic prize money from the Six Kings Slam, Sinner stated that his decision to play in the tournament was motivated by the level of competition rather than financial incentives. "No, I don't play for money, it's very simple," he said.

"Of course, it's a nice prize and everything, but for me, I went there because there were possibly the six best players in the world, and then you can measure yourself with them. It was also a nice event for me. It was the first time I went to Riyadh, and it was nice."

Although Sinner's response did not convince everyone, former World No. 1 Andy Roddick supported the 23-year-old’s comments. "He said something like, 'Tennis for me isn't about the money.' But obviously, Saudi was about [the money]... there was a collective eye-roll about it. But I think his point was, obviously, if you go to Saudi, you're going for work reasons, right? Quickest payday he'll ever have."

"Three days, six million, bingo-bango," Roddick continued. "I don't think five days of action supplants him not thinking about money one time during the US Open semifinals. I honestly find it hard to believe if he knew how much he would win for a semifinal or a Masters 1000."

For the 2003 US Open champion, Sinner's primary motivation remains his on-court achievements and continuous improvement, with financial considerations taking a secondary role. "I don't really think he knows that. He doesn't act like someone who goes about it for money. And for four days, massive cash grab—and I do think a lot of people got that backwards. Two things can be true,” Roddick added. "You go somewhere for five days for a cash grab, but his scheduling, his training, and all those things are built around improving his game."