Former tennis star shares a theory about Jannik Sinner after viral video from the Italian Open raises health questions.
Jannik Sinner seemed to go through what looked like an anxiety or panic attack during his Italian Open semi-final match against Daniil Medvedev, said former Grand Slam winner Flavia Pennetta.
On Friday night, Sinner fought through physical difficulties to lead 6-2, 5-7, 4-2 over Medvedev before rain stopped the final set.
At one point, Medvedev, the world number one, took a medical timeout after showing signs he was struggling physically. Sinner kept leaning on his racquet and gasping for air on the sidelines. Clips of him at Foro Italico quickly spread online.
Fans were worried right away. Tennis writer Pavvy G said, “Something is really wrong. Anyone who cares about Sinner should be concerned — this isn’t normal for a very fit 24-year-old pro.” He added, “We see this happening a lot now. He’s risking his health.”
After seeing Sinner’s trouble breathing, Pennetta shared her thoughts with Sky Sports. “It looked like an anxiety or panic attack. He suddenly couldn’t breathe well but then calmed himself and slowed his heart rate,” she said. “It really caught my attention. It reminded me of what happened to him in Australia. Back then, he may not have realized what was happening.”
Pennetta thinks Sinner learned from past health problems during his match against Holger Rune at the 2025 Australian Open. After beating Rune in four sets, Sinner said, “I wasn’t feeling well. You could see I was struggling physically.” He added, “I arrived here as late as I could. Today was going to be tough — not just against a hard opponent, but also against myself.”
Sinner’s match was marked by his physical troubles. He leaned on his racket before asking for a medical timeout during the third set. Medical staff treated his thigh while he showed clear pain, but Medvedev wasn’t very understanding and complained to the umpire.
Medvedev said, “When we call the physio for cramps, we don’t get fined?”
According to ATP Tour rules, players can’t get medical timeouts for cramps because they are considered fitness issues, not injuries.