World No. 2 tennis player Jannik Sinner has found himself at the center of a heated debate after publicly announcing that he will not participate in the upcoming “Tennis Pride Night,” an event organized to promote inclusion and support for the LGBTQ+ community within the sport. His statement, in which he emphasized that “tennis should focus only on results on the court, not on political issues or social movements,” has divided fans, players, and commentators around the world.

The announcement came during a press conference ahead of the Shanghai Masters, where Sinner was asked whether he would join the initiative. Calm but firm, the 23-year-old Italian replied that he respects everyone’s opinions but prefers to keep his focus on the sport itself. “I’ve always believed that tennis is about performance, discipline, and competition,” he said. “Once we start mixing politics or movements into it, the essence of the game changes.”

His remarks quickly went viral, drawing strong reactions from across the tennis community. Some praised Sinner for standing by his beliefs and maintaining professionalism in an increasingly politicized world of sports. “He has the right to focus on his game,” wrote one fan on social media. “Athletes shouldn’t be forced into activism if they don’t want to be.” Others, however, condemned his stance as insensitive and outdated, accusing him of ignoring the importance of representation and inclusion in modern tennis.

Several players reportedly expressed disappointment behind the scenes. One top female player, who asked to remain anonymous, told journalists, “It’s not about politics. It’s about visibility and respect for everyone in our sport.” Former world No. 1 Billie Jean King, a long-time advocate for equality in tennis, also weighed in indirectly, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Sports have always been a platform for progress. Silence is also a statement.”

The Italian Tennis Federation declined to comment directly on Sinner’s words but released a short statement reaffirming its “commitment to diversity and respect for all players.” Meanwhile, ATP officials emphasized that participation in Pride Night events remains voluntary, though they “encourage all players to show solidarity with inclusivity efforts.”

Sinner’s decision may have broader implications for his public image. Known for his calm demeanor and focus on performance, the young star has built a reputation as one of tennis’s most disciplined and modest players. However, this controversy has put him in an unfamiliar spotlight — not for his forehands or titles, but for his views off the court. Marketing experts predict that his comments could affect sponsorship deals, especially with brands that publicly support equality initiatives.

Still, many observers noted that Sinner’s words reflect a growing sentiment among athletes who want to separate sport from social activism. In recent years, debates around political expression in sports have intensified, with figures like Novak Djokovic, LeBron James, and Naomi Osaka all taking differing approaches to public advocacy. Sinner’s stance, while controversial, is part of a broader discussion about where the line should be drawn between athletic competition and social engagement.

When asked later if he regretted his comment, Sinner remained composed: “I respect everyone’s choices. I just believe my job is to play tennis — to win or lose on the court, not to make statements outside of it.”

Whether his decision will fade with time or become a defining moment in his career remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — Jannik Sinner has sparked a conversation far bigger than the sport itself, challenging tennis to once again reflect on the balance between performance, principles, and public expectation.