Sinner Finds Support Among Some Rivals Despite Wave Of Criticism After Ban Announcement
News
Jannik Sinner received support from some of his colleagues on the ATP Tour after the resolution of his doping case.
The 23-year-old Italian has been in the headlines for the past few months, but unfortunately, not for the reasons he would like to be. While Sinner won the US Open and the Australian Open, which are the two most recent majors, he also tested positive for a banned substance.
That's why he received a three-month suspension after coming to an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). But that decision surprised many of his colleagues.
Alexander Zverev wasn't sure whether this meant that Sinner was guilty or not. Some former players like Tim Henman and Marion Bartoli were surprised by the convenience of the timing of the Italian's ban, while Daniil Medvedev ironically said that he hopes everyone will be able to negotiate the length of their ban.
Naturally, many were surprised by the development and the fact that Sinner received only a three-month suspension. Many would probably agree that if the ATP World No. 1 was guilty, he should have received a longer suspension, but if not, then none should have been imposed.
Despite many players criticizing the process and the decision, there were also those who supported Sinner. His good friend, Jack Draper, spoke to Sky Sports, and he admitted that while he thinks that Sinner's suspension is not good for the sport, he wishes the Italian all the best.
"I know Jannik, he’s a good friend and I know that with this whole thing, I am sure he wouldn’t have done anything intentionally. But obviously, that’s the sport and we have to be accountable for what’s going in our bodies. Yeah, he is obviously banned now for a few months."
"I don’t think that’s good for tennis. I don’t think it’s good for sport that the number one player in the world and someone who is doing incredible things is having a ban, but you know he will be back shortly and I wish him all the best. I hope he is going to be okay."
Another player who showed Sinner support is Flavio Cobolli. The Italian player didn't have an issue publicly declaring that he supports the three-time Grand Slam winner, as per Le Parisien.
"I know Jannik very well. I'm with him. I think he's a good guy. Of course, after this, he will still be the best player in the world."
Speaking to the same publication, retiring Richard Gasquet also supported the reigning World No. 1 player. The 38-year-old Frenchman hopes to see Sinner back on the courts soon.
"Jannik is a great guy, he has a great personality and he is very nice on the court, he will be back soon, that is the most important thing."
It's clear that Sinner's suspension will likely divide opinions in the upcoming months. The Italian player will be able to make his comeback at the 2025 Italian Open in Rome.
