French Open pundit Anne Keothavong’s brother – who is an umpire at the Grand Slam – refused to speak to her following the drama surrounding Jannik Sinner’s exit from the tournament. The world No.1 was knocked out in the second round of the French Open, and complained about heat exhaustion after the contest.
Sinner had been granted a medical time-out that allowed him to return to the air-conditioned dressing room by umpire Aurelie Tourte. Even though Sinner lost, it was a move that sparked plenty of debate, with the umpire having been slated for allowing him to return to the dressing room.
Anne Keothavong, who spent 12 years as a professional, commented on the saga on TNT Sport’s coverage and revealed her brother James, who is a professional umpire, refused to speak to her about it. She said: “My brother refused to speak to me yesterday afternoon, I had so many questions for him.”
Tongue firmly in cheek, Tim Henman replied: “That’s just unacceptable behaviour.” Before Laura Robson chipped in with: “James, do better. We want something to talk about.”
It was all said in a jokey manner, but the incident has certainly split opinion. Regardless, Sinner will reflect on his tournament as a missed opportunity for the Career Slam, given Carlos Alcaraz had withdrawn from the tournament through injury.
Speaking after last week’s loss, he explained: “I didn’t feel very well on court, but it can happen. I was in a good spot, also third set. I couldn’t serve it out. Then struggled quite a bit. But also congrats to him. I don’t want to take anything away from him. He played a very solid match, especially also in the end, and that’s the sport.
“I always try to look the positive side. If you [look at] the whole clay swing, very [good]. Played really, really, really good, winning three tournaments in a row on clay. Coming here, also how I was playing tennis, I felt very well. Hitting the ball in a good way, moving well, and today was just not meant to be.”
Sinner is expected to have an extended break after the French Open, and will most likely play his first grass match of the year at Wimbledon. He’ll have another golden chance to add to his Grand Slam tally, given Alcaraz will sit out the tournament in SW19.