'Innocent' Jannik Sinner 'Should Not Be Banned' Says Madrid Open Tournament Director
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Jannik Sinner's three-month suspension is probably one of the most opinion-dividing moments in tennis.
Sinner has been suspended for three months after reaching an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). His ban came as a result of his positive test for clostebol at last year's Indian Wells Open.
Since then, the Italian has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), but the decision was also appealed by WADA, before an agreement was reached.
From the moment the case started, and especially after an agreement was reached, the tennis world has been divided over Sinner's doping ban. Some think he should have received a much longer suspension. Others think that the suspension is just as long as it should be, and some suggest that the ATP World No. 1 player shouldn't have been banned at all.
One of those is also former World No. 12 player and current Madrid Open tournament director, Feliciano Lopez. He spoke to the Spanish publication MARCA, explaining his view on the situation.
According to Lopez, Sinner is innocent because he proved that he didn't take any substance knowingly. That's why he shouldn't be banned at all, according to the Spaniard.
"I have said from the beginning that I believe he is innocent. He has proven that he is not responsible for his positive test. In that sense, I do not understand why he should be out of action for three months."
Of course, Sinner was suspended because he has responsibility for the actions of his team. That's something Lopez seems to understand, but he still thinks that the Italian player should have avoided suspension.
"I can understand why people say that he is the one ultimately responsible for his career, but it seems to me that if a player is innocent and has not cheated in any way to improve his performance, he should not be banned for a single day. I respect all opinions, but that is mine – and I think that the sooner he returns, the better."
It seems that Lopez is among Sinner's supporters in this doping saga. One of those has also been Jack Draper, who is the three-time Grand Slam champion's good friend.
Unfortunately for Lopez, Sinner won't compete at the Madrid Open this year, as his suspension ends just after the event in the Spanish capital. The Italian will then return for his home ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Rome.
