Grigor Dimitrov calls out the ‘double standards’ about handling of Jannik Sinner’s doping row
Grigor Dimitrov said Jannik Sinner's doping case was handled differently and was shocked to see how the ITIA quickly wrapped it up.
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Grigor Dimitrov, Jannik Sinner (Images via Australian Open, X)
Jannik Sinner landed in hot water a few days before the start of the US Open. He was cleared of all charges by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) following two failed drug tests in March this year. ITIA’s verdict surprised many, including Grigor Dimitrov, who found it strange as other players who faced similar situations in the past had to deal with suspensions.
Sinner was provisionally suspended for a short time and after a thorough investigation by an independent tribunal, it was found that a banned drug called clostebol accidentally entered his system. Clostebol entered his body due to his ex-physio who had been using a spray that contained the performance-enhancing steroid.
Many accused the ITIA of double standards as they think the organization quickly wrapped up Sinner’s case because he is World No.1. Dimitrov was shocked to know how Sinner’s case was handled and stated that as he has been on the ATP tour for many years, he is aware of how “tournaments are run“.
As I said before, in New York, what struck me the most strange is how the protocols of this situation were handled. How were they distributed? There are players who experienced completely different processes, with different procedures, and it made me wonder if there were double standards. Double standards. This is essentially what I say. We see this in other sports as well. It's not a secret.Grigor Dimitrov told bTV
Daria Kasatkina calls Jannik Sinner innocent
Daria Kasatkina was one of the few players who believed in Jannik Sinner’s innocence, and she also trusted the ITIA’s process. Kasatkina believes that Sinner’s lawyers were to be praised as they made it possible for the two-time Grand Slam champion to avoid a ban.
That part, you asked if I believed he was innocent and I do. Double standards…Jannik is able to hire the best lawyers…people who will have it all figured out. That's undoubtedly his advantage.Daria Kasatkina told TNNS
Even though he was at the center of severe criticism, Sinner went on to win the US Open for the first time in his career. It was his second Grand Slam of the season as he previously lifted the Australian Open. The win at Flushing Meadows was also Sinner’s sixth title of the season. Kasatkina, on the other hand, was knocked out of the second round at the US Open and is set to play her first match at the Korea Open.
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Gouri Das
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