Alexander Zverev was asked about Jannik Sinner's doping saga ahead of the 2024 US Open, stating that their relationship off the court won't change.
As a player who has been in tennis practically his whole life, Zverev has seen a lot. He grew up on the ATP Tour while his brother, Mischa, was playing and, over the years, became one of the best players himself.
He's been around to witness a few doping sagas, even though none have been as prominent as this recent one. The reigning World No. 1 was in the middle of it, and while Sinner tested positive months ago while he wasn't the highest-ranked player, the news broke at a time when he was already the number one player.
Zverev didn't know much about the situation when talking to German publication BILD, as he only found out on social media like everybody else, but as far as he knows, it was a straightforward process. The Italian provided a sample, and then he appealed.
"I only found out about it and saw it at some point via X and Instagram. And that was it. I don't have any more information. I think you all know more than I do."
"Normally it is like this: the sample is opened, then you are positive or not. Then you look to see where it could have come from. Then an objection comes and then it is accepted or not."
In Sinner's case, the objection was accepted, and he was able to continue competing while a thorough investigation was underway. That investigation concluded recently, and the Italian was cleared of any wrongdoing. In that sense, the procedure was followed.
What was strange to Zverev was that the whole process happened on the same day. Generally, there is some gradual development, but that hasn't been the case when it came to Sinner.
"But here it all came out within a day. That's the only thing that's a bit strange."
Quite a few players weren't happy about that, but apparently, it was in line with the rules. As some have suggested, there likely wasn't anything illegal happening, as also the 23-year-old denied having any preferential treatment.
Still, there were questions. Novak Djokovic articulated well why the whole process needs to be a bit more clear procedurally. As for Zverev, he didn't have any particular opinion on it because he didn't know enough to really form it.
He endorsed Sinner as a great guy with whom he has a great relationship, and that won't change in light of this recent incident. The same can't be said for some others, as Sinner already publicly said that he knows now who his friends on Tour are.
Certainly, he can count Zverev among them, as the former World No. 2 was very supportive of the Italian in his words.
"I have no opinion on it because I don't have enough information. Jannik is a great guy who I know off the court too. I've always had a good relationship with him. That won't change."
0 Comments