World No. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner faces fresh scrutiny from Italian journalists over his long-standing tax residency in Monte Carlo, sparking a sharp defense from supporters across social media. Sinner, who established his residence in Monaco in 2020 at age 18, maintains his training base in the principality for logistical advantages and access to elite facilities.
According to reports from Italian media, journalists Milena Botteri and Luca Sommi recently questioned why the athlete earns roughly €70 million annually while residing outside his home country. Botteri criticized the arrangement publicly, asking what Sinner does with his earnings given that local taxes fund essential public infrastructure like hospitals.
Fans Defend Sinner’s Monaco Residency
The public remarks triggered swift pushback from tennis fans on platforms like X, formerly Twitter. One user dismissed the criticism as illogical, pointing out that residents of Monte Carlo are not obligated to fund the Italian healthcare system. Another supporter argued that athletes have a right to manage their finances privately, calling public obsession over player earnings a recurring cultural habit in Italy.
Additional commentators noted that Sinner spends the vast majority of his year traveling internationally for ATP Tour competitions or training within Monaco. Supporters compared his situation to standard expatriate workers who maintain overseas residences, while also highlighting his philanthropic contributions.
Canadian Open Withdrawal and Schedule Context
The residency debate coincides with Sinner’s announcement that he will withdraw from the upcoming Canadian Open in Montreal. According to an official statement released to the ATP Tour, the decision aims to protect his physical well-being after a demanding stretch that included defending his Wimbledon title by defeating Alexander Zverev.
“After carefully considering all the factors together with my team, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw from Montreal,” Sinner stated to the ATP Tour. “It is never easy to miss such an important event, but we believe this is the right decision to prioritise my health.”
Sinner joins fellow top-tier competitors Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz on the list of tournament absentees. American player Ben Shelton publicly supported Sinner’s choice, emphasizing that tennis governing bodies need to find a sustainable balance between a crowded competitive calendar and athlete health preservation.
Related reading