“It’s Good to Give Back to Your Country” – Former Wimbledon Champion Criticizes Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka for Skipping Paris Olympics
In a summer filled with headlines dominated by Grand Slam drama and rankings shuffles, the focus has now shifted toward the 2024 Paris Olympics, set to begin at Roland Garros. But even before the Olympic tennis tournament begins, controversy has emerged around top stars Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, both of whom have confirmed they will skip the Games, citing health concerns and scheduling priorities.
While many players and fans have expressed support for their personal decisions, not everyone agrees — and now, one of tennis’s most respected voices has joined the conversation.
A former Wimbledon champion, who asked to remain unnamed in early reports but has since been revealed as Amélie Mauresmo, criticized the choice of skipping the Olympics, saying that it sends the wrong message to fans, aspiring athletes, and the countries the players represent.
“It’s good to give back to your country,” Mauresmo said during a panel at the Roland Garros Olympic prep event in Paris. “The Olympics are not just another tournament — they’re a privilege. I understand fatigue and injury, but national pride should mean something too.”
Sinner and Sabalenka’s Decisions Draw Mixed Reactions
Jannik Sinner, the current World No. 1 from Italy, announced earlier this month that he would be skipping the Olympics to manage his schedule and avoid aggravating a lingering hip issue. He has prioritized staying healthy for the hard court season, particularly the US Open, where he is one of the favorites.
“I have to listen to my body,” Sinner said. “I’ve been managing some small injuries, and the transition from clay to hard court is not easy. It’s not a decision I made lightly.”
Aryna Sabalenka, the World No. 3 from Belarus and a two-time Australian Open champion, made her decision known shortly after Sinner. Citing mental fatigue and a packed calendar, she said playing at the Olympics “just didn’t fit” with her long-term goals.
“It’s not about not loving my country,” Sabalenka told reporters. “It’s about self-preservation. I want to be in the sport for a long time, and the Olympics don’t give points or prize money. My focus right now is on the WTA Finals and Grand Slams.”
Their decisions have found some support among tennis professionals who understand the physical demands of the tour, but Mauresmo’s remarks bring back the age-old discussion about country vs. career.
Mauresmo: “The Olympics Are Bigger Than Rankings”
Amélie Mauresmo, a two-time Grand Slam winner herself and former French No. 1, made her Olympic debut in Sydney 2000 and later competed again in Athens 2004. Though she never medaled, she has spoken in the past about how representing France at the Olympics was among the proudest moments of her career.
Now serving as tournament director at Roland Garros and one of the leading voices in French tennis, Mauresmo didn’t hold back:
“Tennis is an individual sport for most of the year, and that’s understandable. But the Olympics is where you play not for money, not for points — but for your country. That’s sacred.”
She added that it’s “not a good look” for some of the sport’s biggest stars to pull out of an event that only comes once every four years and is arguably the most universal sports platform on the planet.
“Some of the greatest moments in tennis have come at the Olympics — think of Nadal in Beijing, Murray in London, or Monica Puig in Rio. These are moments that define careers, not just rankings.”
The Debate: A Generational Divide?
Critics of Sinner and Sabalenka’s decisions argue that the modern era of tennis has become too focused on individualism, branding, and financial incentives, rather than legacy, honor, or national pride.
Supporters, however, point out that tennis is one of the most grueling sports physically and mentally, with almost no offseason and constant travel. With Olympic tennis offering no ranking points and minimal financial incentive, it’s increasingly seen as a bonus rather than a priority.
Roger Federer, who won doubles gold in 2008 and silver in singles in 2012, always maintained that the Olympics were “non-negotiable” in his calendar when healthy. Novak Djokovic, who has chased Olympic gold throughout his career but has yet to win it, often cites the Games as one of his career goals alongside the Grand Slams.
What This Means for Tennis
While Sinner and Sabalenka’s absence from Paris 2024 won’t diminish their Grand Slam potential, it may slightly affect their public perception — especially in their home countries. In Italy, fans have voiced disappointment at Sinner’s withdrawal, with some questioning his commitment to national representation. In Belarus, Sabalenka’s decision has drawn fewer headlines, though some sports officials have expressed quiet frustration.
Meanwhile, players like Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Casper Ruud are embracing the opportunity to compete for their countries in Paris, further widening the contrast in mindset.
Final Thoughts
The Olympics, by their very nature, transcend individual glory. They are about representing more than just oneself — they are about national identity, pride, and sacrifice. While athletes must always do what’s best for their health and careers, the criticism from Amélie Mauresmo brings to light an important question: Are modern tennis stars losing touch with the deeper meaning of competition?
“One day, the Grand Slams will fade from memory,” Mauresmo concluded. “But standing on a podium with your flag raised — that lives forever.”
Whether or not the next generation of players embraces this philosophy remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the debate over commitment, country, and the true meaning of sport is far from over.
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