Mats Wilander compares his doping case with the recent cases of Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner tested positive for banned substances, trimetazidine and clostebol, respectively, last year.
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Jannik Sinner, Mats Wilander, Iga Swiatek (Images via X)
Doping cases of two high-profile players, Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner shook the tennis world last year. While Swiatek won’t have to deal with the doping authorities anymore, a potential ban on the Italian looms over because his case has been appealed before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Former World No.1 Mats Wilander himself landed in hot water because of the same reason. In the twilight of his career, he tested positive for cocaine along with his doubles partner Karel Novacek during the 1995 French Open. After appealing the three-month suspension handed to them by the International Tennis Federation, they withdrew their appeal. The Swede doesn’t think his case is similar to that of Swiatek and Sinner’s situation.
My case is not comparable to Sinner or Swiatek. They are two completely different situations. In my case, it was my fault, whereas what happened to those players is something that remains to be seen. In the end, what probably affects you the most is public opinion. But if you know you didn’t make a mistake, I don’t think you should worry about public opinion.
Mats Wilander told Relevo
Wilander, who doesn’t think tennis has a doping problem, advised those players who unintentionally consumed banned substances to not worry about public opinions, though he admitted that it’s hard not to. The 60-year-old also thinks it’s difficult for players to even go to a restaurant because there’s a chance that a food item is contaminated.
Ons Jabeur calls Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff the most intimidating players
Ons Jabeur is a three-time Grand Slam runner-up and has achieved a career-best ranking of No.2 but currently stands at the 34th spot because of her struggles with form and injuries. Jabeur recently participated at the Australian Open but crashed out after the third round.
She is scheduled to lock horns with Jelena Ostapenko in the first round of the Abu Dhabi Open. Ahead of the tournament, the Tunisian ace revealed who she thinks are the most intimidating players.
I think Iga is a pretty solid player. She does not give you any free points which is kind of difficult to play against that. Coco is really amazing too, she plays unbelievable tennis.
Ons Jabeur said on the Nothing Major podcast
The five-time WTA title winner has met the Pole seven times and won two of those matches. Against Gauff as well, Jabeur won two matches in their eight meetings. Gauff and Swiatek too were last seen in action at Melbourne Park where they suffered defeats in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.
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Gouri Das
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