Jannik Sinner backed to ‘be the best player in the world’ after ban as he finds a supporter in Casper Ruud

Casper Ruud did not shy away from supporting rival Jannik Sinner amid intense criticism regarding the three-month suspension from the WADA.

Jannik Sinner backed to ‘be the best player in the world’ after ban as he finds a supporter in Casper Ruud

Jannik Sinner, Casper Ruud (Images via ATP/X)

In spite of a barrage of criticism Jannik Sinner has been receiving due to the doping ban, Casper Ruud came out to give his full support to him. Sinner will be on the sidelines for three months after he once again avoided a lengthy ban due to the doping scandal.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), who stood firm in their decision to ask for a ban of between one to two years before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), shockingly withdrew their appeal. Just before two months of the scheduled hearing on Sinner’s case, WADA announced that they had reached a settlement with the World No.1 according to which, he will receive just a three-month ban.

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This time, even those who supported Sinner for escaping the ban due to unintentional doping, started to question WADA, accusing the anti-doping body of playing politics and calling for a complete overhaul. Some critics of Sinner once again are going all out on him, as they unreluctantly accuse him of deliberate doping and ruining the image of tennis. Ruud, however, is of a different opinion as he is convinced Sinner will make a strong comeback after the ban.

I know Jannik very well. I’m with him. I think he’s a good guy. Of course, after this, he will still be the best player in the world.

Casper Ruud told Le Parisien

The three-time Grand Slam finalist, who is 0-3 in his head-to-head record against Sinner, recently suffered a straight-set defeat to Canada’s Denis Shapovalov in the Dallas Open final. The ATP 500 tournament was the Norwegian’s second event of the season following his second-round exit at the Australian Open.

Richard Gasquet backs Jannik Sinner to make a strong comeback

The ban on Jannik Sinner will lift on May 4, just a few days before the start of the Italian Open. Sinner is expected to make his comeback in his home tournament but whether he would be able to play to his full potential is uncertain.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Image via ATP/X)

Frenchman Richard Gasquet, who holds a 0-3 head-to-head record over Sinner, made his feelings known on the ban. He has expressed his hope to see the three-time Grand Slam champion make a strong comeback.

Jannik is a great guy, he has a great personality and he is very nice on the court, he will be back soon, that is the most important thing.

Richard Gasquet told Le Parisien

Gasquet recently suffered a first-round exit at Open 13 and will be kick-starting his campaign at the Terega Open Pau–Pyrenees against Charles Broom. Sinner, due to the ban, couldn’t participate in the ongoing Qatar Open.