Rafael Nadal ‘convinced’ about Jannik Sinner’s innocence in doping scandal
Jannik Sinner was contaminated by clostebol in March last year and is serving his three-month doping ban.
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Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Tennis Magazine, Giovanni Pelazzo)
Currently on the ATP Tour, the Madrid Open is underway, but World No.1 Jannik Sinner is not playing as he is serving his three-month doping ban. Sinner is preparing to make his comeback at the Italian Open, set to start on May 7, as his ban lifts on May 4.
The announcement of Sinner’s doping case by the International Anti-Doping Agency (ITIA) sparked controversy as the tennis community was divided between those who backed him and those who accused the Italian of intentional contamination. Sinner was given no punishment, which led to many thinking that he received preferential treatment because he was a top player.
Sinner has found his supporters in many, including 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal who made his feelings known about the controversy after winning the Laureus Sporting Icon of the Year award. He has also advocated for a change of protocols if there’s a need for it.
If I’m not mistaken, the ruling basically declares him innocent. It’s evident that everything that happened was not good for tennis, but accidents like this occur in life. I believe in Jannik, I am fully convinced that he never intended to cheat or gain an advantage over others with any substance. He is a person of very good moral character.
Rafael Nadal told The Telegraph
After ITIA declared him innocent, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to demand a lengthy ban on the Italian. But before the scheduled CAS hearing, the WADA reached a settlement agreement with the three-time Grand Slam champion, handing him a suspension of three months.
Marin Cilic reveals who between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz he prefers to watch
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner took the tennis world by storm, as when everyone thought about who would lead the next generation of Men’s tennis, the two youngsters ensured that tennis was in safe hands, thanks to their successful runs in Grand Slam tournaments. They have lifted a combined seven titles and are expected to reach the double-digit tally in the future.
Marin Cilic, who is in Madrid and is set to lock horns with Benjamin Bonzi, was asked by Punto de Break, who he prefers to watch between Alcaraz and Sinner. The 2014 US Open champion chose the former because of his aggressive playing style.
I like his style better, an aggressive player, very athletic, and with impressive creativity.
Marin Cilic said
Alcaraz is also in Madrid and will lock horns with the winner of the first-round match between Zizou Bergs and Yoshihito Nishioka. He could schedule a clash with Cilic, but the chances are slim, as the Croatian will have to reach the final. Cilic has met Alcaraz five times, losing four of those matches.
Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz fail to dethrone Jannik Sinner from the rankings table
Jannik Sinner has so far played just the Australian Open this year. Despite his absence, Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz failed to topple him from the top of the rankings table.
Although Alcaraz won two titles (including the ATP 1000 Monte Carlo Masters) and reached another final, it was not enough to reach the top. He, in fact, is sitting in the third position after spending a week in the second spot following his Monte-Carlo Masters win.
Zverev, however, struggled to win matches in six tournaments he played since losing the Australian Open final to Sinner. But by clinching his third BMW Open, he was successful in removing Alcaraz from the second position. Sinner will continue to sit on top even if Alcaraz or Zverev end up winning the Madrid Open.
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