Jannik Sinner withdraws from Paris Masters a week after collecting £4.6m in Saudi prize money | Tennis | sport

Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Paris Masters a week after winning £4.6million in prize money in Saudi Arabia. The Italian has cited a virus for his exit from the tournament, which he was due to play in tomorrow.

Sinner had received a difficult draw in the French capital and was initially scheduled to play against either Ben Shelton or Felix Auger-Aliassime. However, the latter later withdrew and now Sinner is out. The 23-year-old will be replaced by Arthur Cazaux in the draw.

In a video message sent to fans across the tournament’s social channels, Sinner said: “Hey guys, I’m here. I am very disappointed to inform you that I will not be able to play in this tournament.”

“I came here really early to prepare and then I felt sick. I have a virus at the moment that will go away in the next two or three days. I am physically unable to compete.”

“I’m very, very sorry. See you.” [in Paris] Hopefully next year will be a great year. And this year – without me! Hopefully we’ll see each other next year. Ciao.”

It comes a week after Sinner won the biggest tennis prize of all time at the Six Kings Slam. The world number 1 defeated Carlos Alcaraz to receive a check for £4.6 million in Saudi Arabia.

He was criticized for insisting that his participation in the exhibition event was not for financial reasons. “I don’t play for money. It’s very simple. Of course it’s a nice price and stuff,” he said Eurosport.

“I went there because there were possibly the six best players in the world there and then you can compete with them. Of course, if you come back as a winner, it was pretty okay for me, I played the games in the right way, and hopefully that can improve me as a player in the future.

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Former world No. 3 Stan Wawrinka responded to a news article reporting the quotes with a laughing emoji.

Meanwhile, rival Alcaraz has contradicted Sinner’s comments, insisting money played a role in his decision to fly to the Gulf state – which has been accused of trying to wash away its poor human rights record.

“Well, I mean, if I say I went there just for fun or to gamble and forget about the money, then I’ll be lying,” said the Spaniard. “That’s obvious. I mean, every person works for it too. You know, that’s life.

“You know, I love playing tennis. You know, most of the time I don’t think about the money. I just play for love or fun. But you have to be realistic. You have to think you want to make money and that’s all.”