Aussie journalist says Jannik Sinner should never have played Australian Open as he agrees with Nick Kyrgios about the Italian’s ‘conveniently handled’ drug case

Many critics are convinced that Jannik Sinner's doping case was conveniently handled as he once again escaped a lengthy ban.

Aussie journalist says Jannik Sinner should never have played Australian Open as he agrees with Nick Kyrgios about the Italian’s ‘conveniently handled’ drug case

Gerard Whateley, Jannik Sinner, Nick Kyrgios (Images via X)

Australian broadcaster Gerard Whateley said he paid no heed to Nick Kyrgios‘ comments but agreed with him when the Aussie ace tweeted Jannik Sinner‘s doping case was ‘dodgy’. Whateley just cannot accept that Sinner did not receive preferential treatment from the anti-doping organizations.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) always insisted that nothing but a lengthy ban would serve as a punishment for Sinner’s team’s negligence. When the verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) loomed large, WADA withdrew their appeal and announced that they had reached a settlement agreement with Sinner.

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Sinner is suspended for three months. He will not be missing any Grand Slam event as the French Open starts on May 25 and his ban ends on May 4. According to Whateley, the suspension period is very ‘convenient’ for the three-time Grand Slam champion.

Nothing undermines faith in sport more quickly than conveniently handled drug cases that appear radically inconsistent with the standard.

Gerard Whateley said on SEN Radio

In the midst of the doping scandal, Sinner clinched his third Grand Slam title with a straight-set win over Alexander Zverev and was lauded by many for his mental strength. But after WADA’s latest announcement, Whateley said that Sinner shouldn’t have been allowed to play the tournament.

There was a waft over the tournament, a stench. And now that we know it confirmed what we suspected – it stank. Jannik Sinner shouldn’t have been playing at Melbourne Park. That title is a breach of faith with the sporting public.

Gerard Whateley added

Matteo Berrettini backs Jannik Sinner amid intense criticism

The entire tennis world is divided on WADA’s lenient three-month ban on Jannik Sinner. Amidst intense criticism, Sinner found a supporter in compatriot Matteo Berrettini. The former World No.6, who played with Sinner during Italy’s successful run at the Davis Cup last year, backed the 23-year-old to make a strong comeback.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Image via X)

I have always supported Sinner and believe that the positive tests were the result of a mistake. I can imagine that it is a difficult time for him. Have I written to him? No, I prefer to respect his desire for privacy.

Matteo Berrettini told La Stampa

Sinner found himself in hot water last year when he failed the drug test twice in March. The contamination was a result of his former physio Giacomo Naldi massaging him with bare hands.

Berrettini is in Doha for the Qatar Open and will start his campaign with a clash with Novak Djokovic on Tuesday (February 18). Sinner too was scheduled to play in the tournament but was forced to withdraw due to the ban.