"Jannik Sinner canceled after deadline... he must've had his reasons"- Flavio Cobolli's father pens heartfelt note as Paris Olympics spot eludes son

Flavio Cobolli’s father, Stefano, recently penned a heartfelt note after the Italian missed out on a spot at the Paris Olympics following a late withdrawal from Jannik Sinner. He focused on his son’s desire to compete at the Games, consciously choosing not to question the ITF’s controversial rules and Sinner’s late decision.

Sinner was supposed to be the top seed in Paris. With the singles draw accepting a maximum of four top-ranked players from a country and the incredible competition in the Italian contingent (nine players inside the top 100), it was Lorenzo Musetti, Luciano Darderi, and Matteo Arnaldi who secured their entry to the main draw alongside the World No. 1.

However, when Jannik Sinner pulled out of the event with tonsillitis on July 24, he was replaced by compatriot Andrea Vavassori, who was already part of the Italian team, competing in men’s doubles and mixed doubles.

It is worth noting that if Sinner had withdrawn by July 19, Flavio Cobolli, who was the fifth-highest-ranked Italian in singles, would have confirmed his spot at the Paris Olympics. Cobolli’s father and coach, Stefano, recently reflected on his son’s missed opportunity.

"Flavio was the fifth, therefore, everything was in order. Good for Italy which is enjoying a magical moment," his father wrote on Instagram about the Italian upturn (translated from Italian).

Stefano also touched on the ITF rule that prohibits top-ranked singles players from entering the competition after a certain deadline. Several tennis players, including Novak Djokovic, have criticized the rule. The Serb called the rule illogical and a bad look for the sport.

"Why didn't Flavio come in instead of (Jannik Sinner)? Because, once again, the regulation establishes that if a qualified player (in this case Sinner) cancels after July 20th, an onsite player will take his place and not the player who follows him in the rankings," Flavio Cobolli’s father explained.

Maintaining a measured approach, he said:

"(Jannik Sinner) canceled, I believe, on July 23rd and therefore a few days after the deadline that would have allowed Flavio to take over. Also in this case everything is fine. I'm certainly not the one to discuss or argue about whether the regulation is right or wrong; nor even on why Sinner exceeded the deadline: he must have had his reasons."

Shifting his focus to his son’s desire to compete at the Paris Olympics, Flavio Cobolli’s father said:

"My thoughts focus on Flavio. Upon returning from Umag (Croatia Open), Flavio told me something that made me proud and made me feel good. ‘Pa, do you know that I would have traded the victory of a major ATP tournament in exchange for participation in the Olympics?'" he recalled.

"Well, this made me very proud because this means my family managed to pass on important sporting values to him," he added. "It means that before feeling like a tennis player, you feel like an Italian athlete."

Stefano Cobolli wished his son success at the Olympics in the future.

"Flavio for me you played and won 'YOUR Olympics'; you are young and I wish you to achieve your Olympic dream in the future. Come on!!!," he said, addressing the 22-year-old.

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Jannik Sinner and Flavio Cobolli to resume their campaigns in North America

Jannik Sinner pictured at the 2023 Canadian Open - Source: Getty

Just like Flavio Cobolli, Jannik Sinner, too, has yet to compete at the Olympics. He decided against participating in the Tokyo event in 2021. The 22-year-old was thus “saddened” to miss another edition with his Paris withdrawal.

Sinner, though, has his work cut out during the North American swing. He is the reigning champion at the Canadian Open (August 6–12) and would hope to defend his 1000 points with the year-end World No. 1 race heating up.

Flavio Cobolli, meanwhile, is chasing his first tour-level title. The World No. 48 resumes his campaign at the Citi Open (July 29–August 4), facing David Goffin in the opener.