Alexander Bublik relates the positive cases of Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek with a ‘Kung Fu Panda’ theory

Top tennis stars Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek were embroiled in quite serious controversies last year, and the embers haven't died down.

Alexander Bublik relates the positive cases of Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek with a ‘Kung Fu Panda’ theory

Iga Swiatek, Alexander Bublik and Jannik Sinner (via The Independent and X)

In an interview with Match TV, Alexander Bublik spoke about tennis and his life. He also shared some interesting comments about the Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner doping cases and his reflection of his 2024 season and goals for the coming season. The 27-year-old has already started off his 2025 season with the Adelaide International and hopes to constantly evolve and improve his game. 

In 2024, both Iga Swiątek and Jannik Sinner, prominent figures in tennis, faced doping controversies. Świątek tested positive for trimetazidine, while Sinner tested positive for clostebol, both banned substances. These cases have sparked significant debate, with players like Nick Kyrgios labeling the incidents as “disgusting” for the sport. When asked for his opinion on the situation with Sinner and Swiatek and if believes that this is an accident, Alexander Bublik gave a rather intriguing reply referencing Kung Fu Panda.

YouTube video

 In the cartoon ‘Kung Fu Panda’ Master Oogway said, ‘Accidents are not accidents.’ I will answer this way. I think that accidents are not accidental. I can say more proverbs: ‘There is no smoke without fire’, ‘A thief’s hat is on fire’. I think so.

Alexander Bublik on doping cases via Match TV

For Iga Swiatek, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) determined that the contamination occurred through the melatonin sleep aids she used. The medication was unintentionally tainted with the banned substance. Acknowledging her lack of significant fault, the ITIA imposed a one-month suspension in November 2024. During this period, the World No. 2 forfeited her Cincinnati Open prize money and missed several tournaments.

Similarly, for Jannik Sinner, the ITIA found that the contamination occurred through his physiotherapist’s use of a topical spray. The clostebol containing spray was used to treat a personal injury. Although Sinner did not face suspension, he lost $325,000 in prize money and 400 ranking points earned at the Indian Wells Open. However, WADA appealed this decision, seeking a two-year suspension for the World No. 1. A ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport is expected in early 2025.

Alexander Bublik on his 2024 season and his future goals

Asked about his 2024 season, Alexander Bublik remarked that the beginning and middle of his season were very good, and some problems started with Wimbledon. However, he didn’t seem to understand what they were connected with. In terms of preparation and discipline, nothing had changed according to him, but yet there were no results.

Alexander Bublik finished the year in 33rd place, last season he was in 32nd. He has finished the last few years in the range between 30th and 40th places. In this interview, Bublik also spoke about his 2024 season, describing it as a normal, stable season. He won one tournament—the ATP-250 in Montpellier, played one final, and a couple of semi-finals. 

As for the ranking, if he finishes in the same range, he remarked it will be fine for him, if higher, great, if in the top 15, wonderful. But fundamentally, Alexander Bublik is a supporter of the idea that tennis is a sport of stability. Bublik belives that every year one needs to confirm their results and show that they are worthy of playing at a high level.