'I Hope It Will Set A Precedent': Medvedev Takes Dig At Sinner's Ban Agreement
News
Daniil Medvedev spoke honestly about Jannik Sinner and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) resolving his case out of court. He says it would be strange unless it sets a precedent for the future.
Sinner's case dragged on for nearly 12 months after he tested positive for the banned substance clostebol at the 2025 Indian Wells Open, although it only became known in August because the International Tennis Integrity Agency's investigation was kept private.
After initially being cleared of wrongdoing, WADA appealed the case and claimed it wanted a ban of between one and two years imposed. An appeal hearing was scheduled at the Court of Arbitration for Sport on April 16th and 17th.
Sinner and WADA's case resolution caused widespread shock. Both parties agreed to a three-month suspension, so the appeal hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport was no longer necessary.
Medvedev was asked about the case after his defeat in the semifinal in Marseille. The 2021 US Open champion seemed unhappy with the resolution, saying he hoped other players would have the same opportunity to settle out of court as Sinner.
"I hope that from now on, everyone can talk to WADA, and if they tell you: 'We found this, it's been two years,' you answer: 'No, I want one month.' I hope it will set a precedent. Otherwise, it would be strange."
Medvedev's comments are understandable. Numerous other tennis players have been suspected of doping, but they did not have the opportunity to settle their cases and instead endured the stress of court hearings.
Although the reaction has not been widespread enough to know for certain yet, there could be a widespread backlash against how Sinner's case has been handled. There have been some signs of that already.
The Professional Tennis Players Association, founded by Novak Djokovic, criticized the handling of the case, claiming there is bias in favor of certain players and no consistent process for all athletes.
Unsurprisingly, Nick Kyrgios was furious about Sinner's three-month ban and case resolution. The Australian has been the world No. 1's most vocal critic and thinks all those who test positive for doping should receive a two-year ban.
Kyrgios called Sinner's three-month suspension a sad day for the sport and believes there is no fairness in tennis. He has also cast doubt on whether the clostebol was taken without his knowledge despite WADA and the ITIA not disputing that it entered his system accidentally.
Medvedev, Kyrgios, and the PTPA's comments might signal broad anger about Sinner's not needing to go through the appeal hearing. Kyrgios has said he knows of many others who are furious about the case's handling.
Sinner is suspended until May 4th. His first tournament back will be the Italian Open, where he is guaranteed to receive great support. However, observing how he is received in other countries will be interesting.
Others have defended Sinner, and there are various opinions about the case. Discussion of it will undoubtedly continue in the coming days.
