Paul McNamee, the former director of the Australian Open, has come out swinging in defence of Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner amid a storm of online criticism. McNamee vehemently denounced a disparaging post about Sinner, insisting that the 23-year-old athlete deserves more admiration for his recent accomplishments.
In the previous year and a half, Sinner has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis. Not only did he secure his first two Grand Slams last year, but he also launched his 2025 season by successfully holding onto his Australian Open title. He achieved this feat despite being embroiled in a doping case, the resolution of which was uncertain at the time, and with a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) trial looming in April.
A decision was announced last month, revealing that Sinner and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had agreed on a three-month doping ban set to conclude on May 4th. This ruling effectively negated the risk of Sinner missing any future Grand Slams due to the doping ban.
An online post by Swish Tennis that appeared to belittle Sinner’s accomplishments drew the ire of McNamee. The post suggested that winning a calendar year Grand Slam after a three-month suspension was a “very realistic possibility” for Sinner. McNamee, who held the position of tournament director for the Australian Open from 1995 to 2006, did not mince words in his response.
“You’re an embarrassment, with no respect for the huge efforts and greatness of those who came closest, like Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Lew Hoad & Novak Djokovic. Given I don’t follow you & I received this, I will block you,” McNamee retorted on his Twitter feed on March 18, 2025.
While Sinner averted the possibility of missing the French Open, winning a Grand Slam after a significant hiatus is no mean feat. Regardless of the circumstances, McNamee’s comments underscore the consensus that Sinner, as the top-ranked male player, is not to be taken lightly. His recent triumphs in the face of adversity demonstrate not only his prowess on the court but also his resilience off it.