Sinner begins wearing goalie pads between matches
Italian insists new equipment is “precautionary”; entourage struggles to get him into courtesy car.
Jannik Sinner arrived at practice wearing full hockey goalie pads Tuesday, describing the decision as “a small adjustment to the recovery routine.”
The protective equipment extends from his ankles to his upper thighs and has already forced his team to abandon revolving doors.
“We looked at compression sleeves, knee braces, and several other options,” said a member of Sinner’s staff. “Ultimately, we went with whatever you wear when a Canadian is allowed to shoot something at you.”
Sinner maintains the pads have not affected his preparation, although witnesses reported that walking from the locker room to Court 4 required 26 minutes and a brief forklift consultation.
Tournament officials initially challenged the equipment before determining that the dress code only prohibits visible sponsor logos above a certain size.
“They asked whether I could wear white ones at Wimbledon,” Sinner said. “That was their main concern.”
His team is now exploring additional protection, including reinforced trousers, a portable plexiglass tunnel, and having his knees travel separately.
Asked whether the precautions were excessive, Sinner looked toward a nearby maintenance closet, where two pairs of tennis shoes were visible beneath the door.
“No,” he said.
