Former ATP star believes “suspension is almost certain” for Jannik Sinner
World No.1 Jannik Sinner's doping case has been a question mark ever since WADA has reopened it last month.
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Jannik Sinner (Image via AP)
Former World No. 49 Daniele Bracciali fears the worst for his countryman Jannik Sinner, as he believes a potential suspension is imminent. The World No. 1 is reportedly facing a ban from tennis authorities after testing positive for steroids twice earlier this year.
Sinner has had an outstanding 2024 season, winning two Grand Slams and three Masters 1000 titles. However, his reputation has been heavily damaged by the doping scandal that went public in August.
Unfortunately, knowing the environment of the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) and WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency), a suspension is almost certain. But it is not right to disqualify a player if it is established that he did not take doping products and that Clostebol, in Sinner’s case, has changed absolutely nothing. Strict liability in suspension is bullsh*t. I think all Italians have understood who Sinner is, even if some detractors will always be there, but the right solution would be to acquit him.
Daniele Bracciali said in an interview for the Mowmag website
Both Sinner and the tennis authorities faced intense criticism for their handling of the situation. Many former and current ATP players have alleged double standards, particularly in comparison to Simona Halep’s recent suspension for a similar case.
For him, it would finally put an end to a period in which he has suffered a lot of tension, even if he manages it almost perfectly. From a ranking point of view, however, if the suspension were to come, it would not change much for him, because with 10,000 points, Jannik could easily stay out of the game for three or four months. But it would be an indelible stain on his career, even though we all know he is in good faith. Disqualifying him would really be a wake-up call, which others have unfortunately done.
Daniele Bracciali added
Although Sinner initially received clearance from tennis associations, his case has been reopened by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The agency claims to be building a strong case to ban the 23-year-old for at least 12 months.
Jannik Sinner matches the Big 3 in an incredible statistic
Jannik Sinner’s 2024 season is already one to admire, no matter what happens in the upcoming ATP Finals or Davis Cup. As the “regular” tournament season ends, Sinner stands as a world number one with two Grand Slam titles. He has shown remarkable strength, making it clear that beating him is a huge challenge. His top quality? Consistency. His ability to perform at a high level every week is impressive.
For two decades, this kind of steady dominance was mainly seen in tennis legends like the Big Three—Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. Their consistency set them apart, allowing them to thrive on any court, surface, or continent. Sinner is now displaying this same unrelenting form, backed up by data that ranks him among the best in the sport.
In 2024, Sinner joins an elite list of players who reached the quarterfinals in every tournament they entered. This list includes only Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal in recent history. Sinner’s achievement puts him alongside these legends as the fourth player since 1990 to reach the quarterfinals consistently all year. This season, he reached the quarterfinals or better in 14 tournaments, winning titles like the Australian Open and US Open.
The big question is if Sinner can keep up this momentum. His intense focus and composure on the court hint that he’s prepared for an exciting future. Although the legacy of the Big Three remains a towering shadow, Sinner’s incredible season suggests he’s ready to make a lasting impact in tennis history, setting a high bar for those who hope to challenge him.
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Fahad Hamid
(646 Articles Published)