Italian Star Lella Costa Sparks Outrage: ‘I Don’t Like Sinner — But Panatta? I’d Go on Holiday With Him in a Heartbeat’

In the world of Italian sports and entertainment, few comments have stirred as much controversy as those made by celebrated actress and performer Lella Costa regarding tennis sensation Jannik Sinner. Costa’s candid statement, declaring that she does not like Sinner but would “go on holiday in a heartbeat” with Adriano Panatta, has created a wave of discussion across social media, traditional press, and among tennis enthusiasts. This declaration, seemingly lighthearted, has opened up a broader conversation about the generational gap in Italian tennis, the public image of modern athletes, and the relationship between fans and sporting icons.

The Comment That Shocked Tennis Fans

During a recent televised interview, Lella Costa was asked about her views on Jannik Sinner, the current poster boy of Italian tennis, whose rise to the top has been nothing short of meteoric. Her response surprised many: “I don’t like Sinner — but Panatta? I’d go on holiday with him in a heartbeat.” While Costa’s delivery was tinged with humor, the remark quickly took on a life of its own.

In Italy, where tennis culture has deep historical roots, comments on beloved athletes can trigger heated emotions. Jannik Sinner, at just 23 years old, is widely seen as a national treasure, especially after becoming the first Italian man to reach the top five in the ATP rankings in decades. His discipline, humility, and quiet demeanor have made him a role model for younger generations. Costa’s words, therefore, did more than express a personal preference—they touched a nerve.

Lella Costa: A Cultural Icon with a Sharp Tongue

To fully understand the impact of Costa’s statement, one must appreciate who Lella Costa is. For decades, Costa has been one of Italy’s most respected actresses and playwrights, celebrated for her sharp wit and thought-provoking performances. She has often used humor as a tool to critique society, politics, and cultural trends.

Her comment about Jannik Sinner and Adriano Panatta may have been meant as a playful juxtaposition between two very different athletes: Sinner, the embodiment of modern professionalism, and Panatta, the charismatic, flamboyant champion of the 1970s who famously won the 1976 French Open. Yet Costa’s words were not received as mere banter. Many interpreted them as a dismissal of Sinner’s personality and a nostalgia-driven preference for a bygone era.

Why Sinner Divides Opinions

Jannik Sinner’s rise in professional tennis has been nothing short of extraordinary. Hailing from the Alpine region of South Tyrol, Sinner began as a competitive skier before dedicating himself to tennis. His remarkable work ethic, calm demeanor, and consistent performance have won him global admiration. Yet, despite his success, some critics describe him as “too reserved,” lacking the flamboyance that once characterized players like Adriano Panatta.

This is perhaps at the heart of Costa’s comment. In an age where athletes are expected to be both performers on the court and personalities off it, Sinner’s stoic approach leaves little room for dramatic headlines. For some, this quiet determination is admirable. For others, it feels emotionally distant. Costa’s statement may reflect a segment of fans who long for the charismatic storytelling that players like Panatta once brought to the sport.

Panatta: The Charismatic Legend

Adriano Panatta, by contrast, was a tennis player who blurred the line between sport and showmanship. As the only Italian man to win the Roland Garros title, Panatta remains a beloved figure in the country’s sporting history. Beyond his skills, it was his personality—charming, outspoken, and occasionally rebellious—that endeared him to the Italian public.

Costa’s suggestion that she would “go on holiday with Panatta” was more than just a cheeky remark. It symbolized the enduring appeal of athletes who exude magnetism beyond the game. Panatta represented an era when sports heroes were larger-than-life figures, who invited fans not just to admire their victories but to join them on a journey filled with personality and flair.

Public Outrage and Social Media Backlash

The reaction to Lella Costa’s comments was immediate and polarizing. Social media platforms lit up with fans defending Sinner, calling Costa’s words “unfair,” “irrelevant,” and “disrespectful.” Hashtags like #ISupportSinner and #TeamJannik began trending in Italy within hours of the interview airing.

Some critics accused Costa of making comments that undermined the hard work and professionalism that Sinner embodies. Others argued that her remark perpetuated a shallow view of athletes, reducing them to entertainment figures rather than respecting their discipline and achievements.

At the same time, a smaller but vocal group defended Costa, suggesting that her words were simply a humorous expression of personal taste. These defenders claimed that public figures like Sinner should be open to lighthearted critique, especially in a country where athletes often become cultural icons.

The Deeper Conversation: Personality vs. Performance

What this controversy reveals is a growing tension in modern sports culture: should athletes be celebrated solely for their performance, or does their personality play an equally important role?

Jannik Sinner represents the archetype of the modern athlete—disciplined, humble, and fiercely dedicated to his craft. He rarely indulges in controversies or flashy public statements, which makes him a safe and respectable figure for sponsors and the ATP tour. But for some fans, this restraint lacks the “spark” that makes a sports hero truly unforgettable.

On the other hand, Adriano Panatta symbolizes the old-school sports star: unpredictable, charismatic, and willing to break the mold. Costa’s comment, intentionally or not, reopens the debate about whether today’s athletes have lost some of the charismatic unpredictability that once defined sporting legends.

Media Amplification and the Role of Outrage Culture

One cannot ignore the role of the media in amplifying Costa’s statement. A single remark, possibly intended as playful banter, quickly became a national talking point because of how rapidly it spread across digital platforms. Headlines highlighting the most provocative parts of Costa’s interview fueled the narrative of outrage, with little room for nuance.

In this sense, the controversy is emblematic of our times: a soundbite culture where complex sentiments are reduced to viral quotes, and where public figures are often forced to clarify or retract statements that were never meant to be taken literally.

How Has Sinner Responded?

Interestingly, Jannik Sinner has remained silent on the matter, embodying his characteristic composure. His decision not to engage with the controversy may be strategic, reflecting his focus on performance over publicity. This silence has been praised by some as an example of maturity, while others interpret it as a missed opportunity to show more of his personality.

Meanwhile, Panatta himself has reportedly brushed off the comment with good humor, appreciating Costa’s playful compliment and using the moment to reflect on his own legacy.

A Lesson on Cultural Expectations

At its core, the Lella Costa controversy is not just about one actress’s opinion of two tennis players. It is about the evolving relationship between sports stars and the public. In an age where fans crave authenticity, where social media blurs the line between athlete and celebrity, and where nostalgia for a more “romantic” era of sports remains strong, such comments strike deeper than they might have in the past.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Soundbite

While Costa’s remark may fade from headlines in a few weeks, the debate it sparked will likely persist. It raises questions about what we value in our sports heroes: is it their unwavering professionalism and ability to stay above the fray? Or is it their magnetic charisma and willingness to connect with fans beyond the court?

Jannik Sinner and Adriano Panatta represent two sides of this spectrum, and Lella Costa’s playful yet provocative comment has reminded Italy of the ongoing tension between these archetypes. In the end, the outrage may be less about Costa herself and more about a society wrestling with what it truly wants from its champions.