"Jannik Sinner's gotten on my nerves" - French journalist slams World No. 1 for 'no smile, no emotion' behavior with press

A French journalist recently criticized Jannik Sinner over how the Italian behaved with the press throughout his title-winning Paris Masters campaign. According to the journalist, Sinner's body language lacked emotion, with the Italian allegedly not smiling at all when interacting with reporters at press conferences.

Stephen Brun, a French former basketball player who these days works as a commentator, journalist and podcast host, spoke about Sinner on a recent episode of RMC Sport's Stephen Brunch podcast. Brun claimed that he used to like the Italian previously. However, subsequently, the 45-year-old went on to elaborate on how the World No. 1 "got on his nerves" during the 2025 Paris Masters.

"I had a lot of affection for Sinner but this week, he's gotten on my nerves!," Brun said. (translated from French) "There's not a smile, not an emotion, in the press conference, he doesn't do the job. He's not the funkiest guy in the world, but there, he's even more antipathetic," he added. (translated from French)

On the court, Jannik Sinner tends to keep a check on his emotions, typically appearing calm even in the tensest moments on the biggest stages of men's tennis. Earlier this year, at the French Open, the Italian claimed that while his on-court demeanor might suggest that he is ice cold mentally and emotionally, his inner state is a 'stormy' one.

"At the beginning of my young career the storm was also outside, not only inside" - Jannik Sinner at French Open 2025

Jannik Sinner during a press conference at the 2025 French Open (Source: Getty)

In the immediate aftermath of securing his progress to the quarterfinals at this year's French Open with a straight-set win over Andrey Rublev, Jannik Sinner was asked if he truly remains in control of his emotions at all times or simply hides his frustrations well. Here, the Italian admitted that his mind goes through a lot of emotions when he plays, saying:

"It's absolutely not like that. I have a storm inside me, but tennis is a very mental sport and you try not to show your emotions too much to your opponent. At the beginning of my young career the storm was also outside, not only inside."

Jannik Sinner's Paris Masters title triumph, combined with rival Carlos Alcaraz's early exit from the Masters 1000 event, led to the Italian once again becoming the World No. 1. However, things could still change depending on Sinner and Alcaraz's respective results at the year-end ATP Finals in Turin, Italy.

Edited by Sudipto Pati