"Sterile criticism that came from people who are not competent": Ex-coach of Jannik Sinner glad Davis Cup criticism didn't get to him

Italy’s tennis star Jannik Sinner’s ex-coach congratulated him on his impressive run in the recently concluded ATP Finals.

The 20-year-old recently played in the final of the last major tournament in the men’s tennis calendar in Italy’s city of Turin where he lost to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-3.

Sinner’s ex-coach Riccardo Piatti released a lengthy statement on his official account on the social media platform X — previously known as Twitter — where he congratulated the current world number four over his impressive run in the competition and expressed delight that criticism after the Davis Cup did not have any adverse impact on the performance of the young tennis star.

"I publicly would like congratulate Jannik (because privately I have already congratulated him) for this beautiful week, he played a great tournament and a high level tennis,” he said. “I would also like to say that this does not surprise me too much, because I have always believed in him and I always knew that Jannik was ready to do great things, because in these years he has always shown a constant growth, an incredible attitude to work and consistency in results and improvement.

"I can only be happy for this final and for this week, because as it happens to any teacher, of any age group, it is great to see your 'students' excel and grow, both physically and professionally. Yesterday's final is surely just the first of a long series he will play and win, and I wish Jannik the best of luck for this present and future. As I have always said and always will say, 'Forzaaaaa and have fun'.

"In conclusion, I also wanted to say to him 'bravo' for not listening to the useless criticism he received during his last non-participation in the Davis Cup, about his non-attachment 'to the jersey' and about whether or not he felt Italian. Sterile criticism that came from people who are not competent and who do not know how to perform at a high level.

"Jannik, weeks like this at the Finals, the future Slams you will win and the world ranking are the best way to show your attachment to Italy and to make all Italians proud to have someone like you among the best athletes in the world."