CINCINNATI — Jannik Sinner delivered a masterclass in dominance at the Western & Southern Open, securing a straight-sets victory over Canadian qualifier Gabriel Diallo—but it was his post-match actions that left fans and analysts buzzing.
The Italian world No. 2, defending his Cincinnati Open title, dismantled Diallo 6-3, 6-2 in just 68 minutes. While the match itself was a clinical display, Sinner’s decision to sign the camera lens with a cheeky message—"Sorry, Gabe"—sparked debate about sportsmanship and psychological warfare in tennis.
A Ruthless Performance
Sinner, fresh off his Wimbledon triumph, showed no mercy against the 22-year-old Diallo, who had fought through qualifying to reach the main draw. The Italian’s precision and power were on full display:
- He won 84% of first-serve points
- Converted 4 of 6 break points
- Hit 22 winners to Diallo’s 9
"I tried to stay focused from the first point to the last," Sinner said in his on-court interview. "Gabe is a tough opponent with a big serve, so I knew I had to be aggressive."
The Camera Message That Divided Opinions
Traditionally, players sign the camera with a thank-you note or a celebratory remark. Sinner, however, opted for a playful jab at his opponent, writing: "Sorry, Gabe." The moment quickly went viral, with reactions split between amusement and criticism.
Tennis analyst Brad Gilbert called it "a bit of harmless fun," while former player Mardy Fish questioned whether it crossed a line. "It’s one thing to dominate, another to rub it in," Fish tweeted.
Diallo’s Reaction
Diallo, to his credit, took the gesture in stride. "Jannik’s a great player, and if that’s how he wants to celebrate, that’s on him," the Canadian said post-match. "I’ll use it as motivation for next time."
Sinner’s Title Defense Gains Momentum
With the win, Sinner advanced to the third round, where he will face either Sebastian Korda or Alexander Shevchenko. The 22-year-old is seeking his sixth title of the season and further cementing his status as a dominant force on hard courts.
Key stats from Sinner’s 2024 campaign:
- 42-4 win-loss record
- 3 ATP Masters 1000 titles
- Undefeated in finals this year
Conclusion: Mind Games or Just Confidence?
While Sinner’s camera message may have been lighthearted, it underscored his growing confidence—and perhaps a willingness to play mental games. As he continues his Cincinnati Open defense, one thing is clear: "Sorry" isn’t a word his opponents will hear often on the court.