Jannik Sinner had to check on his own physio during his Miami Open clash with Chris O’Connell after managing to return a serve into his private parts. The Italian was at full stretch as he attempted a one-handed backhand, only for the ball to cannon off his racket and towards Giacomo Naldi, whom was in the front row nearby.
Judging by Naldi’s reaction, the ball was still travelling at pace when he was hit, briefly appearing in real discomfort. But the Australian Open champion couldn’t hide his amusement as he went over to assess the damage, smiling broadly.
Eventually, Naldi also saw the funny side, but left his hands to cover his crown jewels for several seconds after Sinner had returned to the baseline. The 22-year-old was later asked about the incident in his post-match interview, quipping: “The serve was in. With the frame the ball went straight to him at a really important part for human beings.”
Sinner had reason to be relaxed at the conclusion though, having overcome his opponent 6-4 6-3 to win through to the quarter finals. There, the second seed will take on Tomas Machac, who on Sunday ended Andy Murray’s bid.
The incident between the second seed and his physio wasn’t the only humorous delay to the contest though. The match was also held up when a ball was hit into the crowd – and cleanly caught by a switched on spectator.
Initially, the fan threatened to hold onto his new prize before the umpire said on the microphone: “Sir, can we please have our ball back? I’ll give you another one.”
And sure enough, the official stayed true to his word, sending a ball girl over to deliver one of the previously used balls to the man in question. After appearing to check it was real, he then beamed as he pocketed his bonus present.
For Sinner though, things get serious again on Wednesday as he looks to build on his stellar start to 2024. He sealed his frist Grand Slam at Albert Park in dramatic fashion, fighting back from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev.
He then prevailed at the Rotterdam Open, a victory which took him to a career high No.3 in the world. His run of 19 consecutive wins, a new record for an Italian player, was eventually ended by Carlos Alcaraz at the semi-final stage in Indian Wells.
