Cincinnati, August 2025 – Tennis legend Adriano Panatta has never been one to hold back his opinions. But his latest comments at the Cincinnati Open have ignited a storm of controversy, shaking the foundations of one of the ATP Tour’s most prestigious tournaments. In a bombshell statement, Panatta lashed out at the tournament CEO, accusing him of fostering a “toxic boycott” against Jannik Sinner and of ignoring the Italian star’s mental health struggles.

The remarks came during a surprise press appearance that few anticipated. While Sinner’s shocking early exit from the Cincinnati Open had already left fans stunned, Panatta’s fiery intervention ensured the conversation shifted from results on the court to politics and player welfare off it.

Standing before reporters, Panatta, the charismatic 1976 French Open champion, spoke with passion and anger.

“He’s not guilty, he’s the world’s No. 1. You don’t treat a player like this,” Panatta declared, slamming his fist on the podium. “The tournament has allowed a toxic environment to grow, where Sinner is unfairly targeted and isolated. That is not competition—it’s a boycott in disguise.”

The comments were aimed directly at Cincinnati Open CEO Mark Whitmore, who has faced growing criticism over how the tournament handled the backlash against Sinner. Following Sinner’s victory in last year’s edition, sections of the Italian and American media accused him of arrogance and favoritism. At this year’s event, boos from parts of the crowd and whispers of locker-room tension seemed to confirm that hostility had spilled into the open.

Panatta went further, suggesting that Whitmore and the tournament organizers had ignored Sinner’s worsening mental health.

“This boy is carrying the weight of Italy, of world tennis, on his shoulders. And instead of protecting him, you push him further into the fire. Shameful!”

Sources close to Sinner revealed that the 23-year-old world No. 1 had been struggling with anxiety and fatigue in recent weeks, intensified by relentless media scrutiny and fan hostility. While Sinner never made an official statement, his subdued demeanor in press conferences hinted at deeper struggles.

Fans were quick to rally behind Panatta’s words. On social media, hashtags like #StandWithSinner and #BoycottCincy trended within hours.

Whitmore, however, dismissed the accusations as “baseless.” In a strongly worded reply, he insisted the Cincinnati Open had always prioritized player welfare.

“Adriano Panatta is entitled to his opinions, but his claims are simply not true. Our tournament has supported Jannik Sinner from the moment he stepped onto our courts. To suggest otherwise is an insult to our staff, our fans, and to the sport itself.”

Despite the rebuttal, cracks in the tournament’s reputation were already widening. Sponsors reportedly expressed concern about being associated with “toxic” narratives, while ATP insiders quietly discussed whether Panatta’s claims might lead to an official investigation into player treatment at major events.

Panatta’s outburst has split the tennis community. Some praised him as a hero for defending Sinner, while others accused him of exaggeration and grandstanding. Former US star Andy Roddick weighed in during ESPN’s coverage:

“Look, I love Panatta’s passion. But let’s not pretend the Cincinnati Open is running a conspiracy against Sinner. Players get booed, criticized, that’s sports. The question is: how do you handle it?”

Meanwhile, Italian fans applauded Panatta for defending their countryman. In Rome, a mural appeared overnight depicting Sinner with angel wings and the words: “Non è colpa sua – È il numero uno.” (“It’s not his fault – He’s No. 1.”)

In a rare emotional moment, Sinner finally addressed the controversy after his second-round defeat. Standing on court, his voice trembling, he said:

“I don’t want fights. I just want to play tennis. Thank you to those who support me. Please, respect everyone on this tour.”

He declined to directly address Panatta’s comments but thanked him privately, according to Italian media. Insiders revealed that Sinner broke down in tears after the match, comforted by his team.

Beyond the headlines, Panatta’s accusations have reignited a broader debate in tennis: Are tournaments doing enough to protect their players, especially when it comes to mental health? Naomi Osaka’s 2021 withdrawal from the French Open and Simone Biles’s decision to step back at the Tokyo Olympics highlighted how mental well-being has become a central issue in modern sports.

Sinner’s case—whether exaggerated or not—may become another turning point in how fans, officials, and media treat athletes under pressure.

As the Cincinnati Open heads toward its conclusion, the storm around Sinner shows no signs of fading. Some fans have even suggested boycotting next year’s tournament unless organizers take visible steps to support players.

For now, one thing is certain: Adriano Panatta has thrown gasoline on an already raging fire, turning what could have been just another tournament controversy into a full-blown crisis.

Whether his defense of Sinner will ultimately help or harm the Italian star remains unclear. But in one fiery press conference, Panatta ensured that the tennis world would not forget his message:

“He’s not guilty, he’s the world’s No. 1. Treat him with the respect he deserves.”