In an unexpected turn of events following Novak Djokovic’s shocking loss at Roland-Garros, Andy Murray has spoken out, criticizing Jannik Sinner for employing psychological tactics during their intense French Open clash. Murray, known for his candid opinions on and off the court, did not hold back when it came to the behavior he witnessed in the match, which many considered a pivotal moment in Djokovic’s downfall.

The 2025 French Open semi-final saw Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend and reigning champion, face the rising Italian star, Sinner. Despite Djokovic’s usual dominance, the match was marred by what Murray described as “psychological games” played by Sinner, particularly his loud shouts after each point.

Murray expressed his thoughts clearly, noting that while Sinner’s powerful game was impressive, his shouting after each point was an intentional effort to distract Djokovic. “Sinner was playing mind games with Novak, shouting loudly after each point. It was no secret that Djokovic was getting rattled,” said Murray. The loud outbursts were more than just a display of emotion; they were calculated to break the rhythm and focus of the 23-time Grand Slam winner.

This tactic, though not new to the world of tennis, drew a sharp reaction from Murray, who suggested it contributed to Djokovic’s declining performance. The former world number one further added, “Djokovic deserved to be the winner. He didn’t play poorly like someone else who chose to manipulate the psychological aspect of the game.” Murray’s comments were aimed not only at Sinner’s conduct but also at the broader trend of psychological tactics that have increasingly become part of the sport.

It’s not the first time that such methods have been discussed openly. Throughout the years, players like John McEnroe, and even Djokovic himself, have been involved in heated exchanges about tactics that cross the line of sportsmanship. However, Murray’s statement has sparked a wider debate about where the line should be drawn in the pursuit of victory.

Djokovic, typically known for his mental fortitude, struggled to maintain his focus during key moments of the match, as Sinner’s vocalizations grew louder and more frequent. In post-match interviews, the Serbian player alluded to the difficulty of maintaining concentration when such distractions were present on court. Djokovic admitted, “It wasn’t just Sinner’s game that got to me; the mental side of the match was harder than the physical.”

Murray, whose own career has been plagued by injury and mental battles, knows the importance of mental clarity on the court. His remarks may be viewed as a reflection of his own experiences, where focus and psychological resilience played a significant role in his success. He further commented, “It’s tough out there, but we’ve all been trained to handle the mental challenges. It’s part of the sport, but it’s important to keep it within the rules.”

As the tennis world continues to digest the surprising turn of events at Roland-Garros, Murray’s comments will likely add fuel to the ongoing discussion about the role of psychology in tennis. While some may view Sinner’s actions as part of the game, others, like Murray, believe there should be limits to how far players can go in influencing the mental state of their opponents.

With the summer tennis season in full swing, all eyes will be on how Sinner and Djokovic bounce back from their Roland-Garros battle. One thing is certain: the mental side of tennis is becoming as important as the physical, and it will undoubtedly remain a hot topic in future matches.