Jannik Sinner Showers Massive Praise on Jack Draper Who Offered Unwavering Support During Italian’s Doping Ban
World No.1 Jannik Sinner is projected to lock horns with his good friend Jack Draper in the final of the Italian Open.
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Jack Draper, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)
Jannik Sinner‘s doping controversy sent shockwaves in the tennis world. He incurred the wrath of fans, tennis pundits, and even his colleagues(and understandably so), some of who also doubted his innocence.
But along with criticism, Sinner always received unwavering support from many. And for that, he is thankful. His longtime friend Jack Draper too said the World No.1 doesn’t deserve any hate. With Draper, Sinner practiced in Monte Carlo before making his comeback at the Italian Open.
Sinner made a strong comeback, beating Mariano Navone in the first round. He continued his winning ways as in the following round he went past Jesper De Jong in straight sets. Following his victory, Sinner was asked about Draper’s support to him during his difficult times.
His support meant so much to me and some other players. Whoever supported me in this period, I really, really appreciate that. Yeah, for me it was very good. It was positive energy. It was good with him to practice in Monaco a couple of weeks ago. I’ve always been his biggest fan.
Jannik Sinner said at the press conference
Sinner, who is 1-1 against Draper in the head-to-head record, could set up his third clash on tour with him. But for that to happen, both will have to reach the final. Before the summit clash, the Brit will have a daunting task in the form of Carlos Alcaraz, whom he is projected to meet in the quarterfinal.
If he beats the four-time Grand Slam champion, he could set up a semifinal clash with Alexander Zverev. Draper is chasing his second Masters 1000 title of the season after winning at Indian Wells.
Jannik Sinner to lock horns with Francisco Cerundolo in the Italian Open fourth round
Jannik Sinner is bidding to win his first Italian Open title and is playing the tournament for the first time since 2023 as last year, he skipped it due to an injury. He has never progressed beyond the quarterfinals, producing his best performance in 2022 when he lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the last eight.
In 2023 then, the home favorite lost the fourth-round match to Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, the opponent Sinner will again meet in the last 16 of this year’s Rome Open. Ahead of his match, the first seed made his feelings known on facing the 17th seed.
You know, every day, every challenge is difficult. Of course, the last time I played here, I lost to him on this court. Let’s see how it goes. He’s an extraordinary player. He’s having an extraordinary season. He had a great tournament the week before. It will be difficult.
Jannik Sinner said during his on-court interview
Sinner holds a 2-2 head-to-head record against the World No.18. The upcoming match will be their second encounter on the red dirt. Before setting up the clash with Sinner, Cerundolo went past last year’s runner-up Nicolas Jarry and Sebastian Ofner in the second and third rounds, respectively.
Jannik Sinner is chasing his second title of the season
Sinner faced a three-month ban from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after his Australian Open campaign. He lifted his third Grand Slam title by breezing past Alexander Zverev in straight sets.
The 23-year-old then skipped the Rotterdam Open and started his preparation for the Qatar Open. But before his campaign, the WADA announced that they had reached a case resolution with Sinner and handed him a three-month ban.
Because of the ban, Sinner missed two hard-court and two clay-court Masters 1000 events, along with several other ATP 500 tournaments. After the Italian Open, Sinner will play in the Hamburg European Open.
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