“I believe in a fair process,” Rafael Nadal shuts down claims of preferential treatment for Jannik Sinner amid the three-month doping suspension
Rafael Nadal has a strong stance in favor of World No.1 Jannik Sinner regarding his doping scandal.
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Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Tennis Magazine, Giovanni Pelazzo)
Rafael Nadal has once again expressed support for Jannik Sinner as the Italian returns from a three-month suspension following a doping scandal. Sinner was suspended after testing positive for clostebol twice last year.
Nadal, who has undergone numerous doping tests throughout his career, believes the system is fair and that it was not lenient with Sinner. The Spaniard also believes that the World No. 1 had no intention of exploiting loopholes in the system for personal gain.
From my point of view, I really don’t believe that Jannik, because he’s the No. 1 in the world, received different treatment than another person, from my perspective and from my understanding. I really believe in the process, I have been there going through all the tests for 20 years, how the things are strict on every single movement … and I believe in the process.
Rafael Nadal said on CNN
Sinner tested positive for clostebol last year at Indian Wells. As a result, the ATP stripped him of all ranking points and prize money he had earned from that tournament.
I can’t say another thing and I can’t think another way because, if not, I will think that we are not in a fair world, and I really believe that we are in a fair world in this matter.
Rafael Nadal added
Despite heavy criticism, Sinner continued to compete throughout 2024. However, the backlash has not stopped, with players like Stanislas Wawrinka and Nick Kyrgios publicly criticizing the tennis system for allegedly protecting him.
Rafael Nadal looks back on the legacy he has left in tennis
22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has reflected on the legacy he has left in the sport of tennis. The Spaniard retired last year at the conclusion of Spain’s Davis Cup campaign, departing as one of the greatest athletes in sports history.
The results are the results, you know. I won what I won, I lost what I lost, that’s the results and nobody can change that. Of course, I will be remembered as a good tennis player, but for me, it’s important to be remembered as a good person, a player who fights as hard as possible but with positive values, being always fair and correct with everyone on court. Trying to respect every single moment, for me that’s the most important thing.
Rafael Nadal added
Nadal won an astonishing 22 Grand Slam titles and spent 209 weeks as World No. 1. The left-hander also claimed the Olympic gold medal in Beijing in 2008, defeating Fernando Gonzalez in the final. Perhaps the most remarkable part of Nadal’s career was his dominance on clay. He won 14 Roland Garros titles — a record at any tournament, let alone a Grand Slam event.
Nadal captured his first French Open title in 2005 and maintained his dominance until 2022, when he won his 14th and final Roland Garros crown. Interestingly, that also turned out to be his last Grand Slam and ATP title.
Jannik Sinner dating a Russian model
Tennis fans have missed Jannik Sinner over the past three months. After winning the Australian Open, he served a three-month suspension related to a doping case earlier in 2024. Now, he’s getting ready to return to the Italian Open in Rome.
Reports suggest Sinner will not be coming back alone. Multiple sources say the 23-year-old is now dating Lara Lieto, a 31-year-old Russian model known for her past relationship with actor Adrien Brody. This comes after his split from former girlfriend and tennis pro Anna Kalinskaya late last year.
Sinner has been training again, working on clay courts in both France and Spain. His preparation shows he’s serious about his return to the tour.
Photos from Chi Magazine recently showed Lieto with Sinner at the Monte Carlo Country Club, adding weight to the relationship rumors. Despite missing months of play, Sinner still holds the World No. 1 ranking and is unbeaten in 2024 with a 7-0 record and one title.
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