“Less joy than usual,” Matteo Berrettini reveals how recent doping case has taken a toll on Jannik Sinner

Matteo Berrettini backed compatriot Jannik Sinner after he faced backlash following the recent doping controversy.

“Less joy than usual,” Matteo Berrettini reveals how recent doping case has taken a toll on Jannik Sinner

Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner (images via X)

Matteo Berrettini revealed that his good friend Jannik Sinner has been troubled by his recent doping controversy. Berrettini wished for no player to be in his compatriot’s shoes and said that the World No. 1 has not been enjoying playing as much as he previously did. 

The entire fiasco took the world by storm as Sinner, who had tested positive for a billionth of a gram of Clostebol in his system earlier in the year, was cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency to continue competing after quick appeals. Many pros including Nick Kyrgios alleged that Sinner was given special treatment and that other players in his shoes would’ve had to endure harsher punishment.

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However, Berrettini expressed his support for the 23-year-old and gave an insight into what Sinner has been going through over the last couple of weeks.

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I think these have been difficult months for him, it's impressive how he's handled everything. I complimented him. Nobody would want to be in his shoes, but I know him well and I'm sure it was a mistake. I saw something different in his eyes, maybe less joy than usual. When everything came out, I understood what was cooking.
Matteo Berrettini said (via Sky Sports)

Sinner is set to return to action at the US Open after his triumph in Cincinnati. He will face American Mackenzie McDonald in the first round on Tuesday, August 27.

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Novak Djokovic sympathies with players’ concerns about nonstandardized doping tests

Novak Djokovic, who returns to the tour his week after a celebratory break that followed his Olympic triumph, finally opened up about rival Jannik Sinner’s doping case and the consequent discussions that took place. 

Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner
Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner (Via Imago)
There is a lot of issues in the system. We see lack of standardized and clear protocols. I can understand the sentiments of a lot of players that are questioning whether they are treated the same.
Novak Djokovic said at a US Open press conference

The reigning US Open champ has been backing fellow players for a good while through his organization, the Professional Tennis Players Association, and continues to do so during these trying times. Players have accused the ITIA of unfair treatment after Jannik Sinner was cleared to continue playing while many players still await a verdict after testing positive for a banned substance.

Djokovic has called for more standardized tests and transparent procedures from the organization to ensure fair treatment of every player.

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