Jannik Sinner has responded to the criticism directed at him for his choice to not compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The world No. 1 said that he gives people who react negatively “little importance and little weight” and emphasized that only he and his squad know how he felt.

Due to tonsillitis, Sinner withdrew from the Olympics before the competition and said he was “saddened” not to be able to compete.

“I started to feel unwell after a good week of clay training,” he said. “After a few days of relaxation, I went to the doctor, who diagnosed me with tonsillitis and strongly encouraged me not to play.

It is really disappointing for me to miss the Games because it was one of my key objectives for this season. I was eager to have the privilege of representing my nation at this crucial occasion.

The 22-year-old Italian chose to forego the Tokyo Games in 2021 in order to concentrate on his “development as a player,” and he was hoped to make his Olympic debut in Paris.

When Sinner said he would not be competing in the Olympics this year, some fans and the Italian media took offense.

When it was revealed that the Australian Open champion would participate in the Canadian Open, which got underway two days following the Olympic tennis gold medal match, his absence came under more scrutiny.

When questioned about the criticism he has received for withdrawing, Sinner emphasized at a news conference in Montreal that the Games had been his top aim for this season.

The Italian remarked, “To be honest, I don’t even want to have to answer that question.” I believe that only my team and I truly understand my emotions. It appears to be one thing on the outside, yet something else inside. I am particularly aware of my feelings.

“I had stated from the start of the year that competing in the Olympics was my top priority, but sadly, I was unable to even get out of bed. Then, to be honest, I don’t really care what other people think, or at least I don’t give it much weight.

It’s really beneficial for me that I’m not on social media anymore. Then, in any case, I read a few things. It’s evident that notifications appear when you open your phone, and I saw something.

However, I also understand who I am as a person and the types of people that surround me; they are all really concerned about me.

There will always be some nice things and some slightly terrible things, like this. Sadly, this time it went like this:. To be honest, I can understand people’s reactions, but what happened happened now that I’m in Montreal.

In the second round of the Canadian Open in Montreal on Thursday, Sinner defeated Borna Coric 6-2, 6-4 to begin his championship defense. In the ATP Masters 1000 tournament, he will square off against Alejandro Tabilo in the round of 16.