**Nicola Pietrangeli’s Controversial Take on Jannik Sinner’s Stardom**
Nicola Pietrangeli, Italy’s tennis legend and two-time French Open champion (1959, 1960), sparked debate with his comments about Jannik Sinner, the World No. 2, during the 2025 Italian Open. In an interview reported on X on May 15, 2025, Pietrangeli expressed concern about the fervor surrounding Sinner, stating, “My fear is that if Sinner were to lose three games in a row, the idolatry would end.” He added a critique of Italian sports culture, suggesting, “The Italian is a fan, not an athlete,” implying that fans’ adulation is fickle and driven by results rather than sustained support. These remarks, shared by @AndreaLompio53 and others, ignited polarized reactions among fans and analysts.
Pietrangeli’s comments appear rooted in his observation of Sinner’s meteoric rise and the intense expectations placed on him, especially after his 2025 Australian Open and Miami Open titles. Sinner, who reached the Italian Open final on May 18, 2025, despite a foot blister, has been hailed as Italy’s greatest tennis hope. However, Pietrangeli’s fear reflects a broader concern about the volatility of fan support in Italy, where success can quickly turn to criticism. X posts, like @SaraccoLaura’s, accused Pietrangeli of “livore” (bitterness) and envy, while @eaglelex_eth dismissed his legacy compared to Sinner’s potential, calling him “a nullity” in modern tennis terms.
Yet, Pietrangeli’s past statements show admiration for Sinner. In 2024, he called Sinner “a blessing” and a “champion born,” predicting he’d be nearly unbeatable (X post by @giovannipelazzo). This suggests his recent critique targets fans’ behavior rather than Sinner himself. The backlash, evident in posts labeling Pietrangeli “jealous,” may overlook his point about the pressure of “idolatry” on young athletes. Sinner, unfazed, has focused on his performance, refusing to make excuses for his injury in Rome, as noted in Tennis Majors.
Pietrangeli’s remarks highlight a cultural tension in Italian sports, where passion can border on obsession. While some fans see his words as a slight against Sinner, others interpret them as a call for more resilient support, win or lose.
