'Sinner Has Lost His Image, But So Has Tennis' Says Former Doubles No. 1

Monday, 23 December 2024 at 23:25

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byErik Virostko

Jannik Sinner has lost his image because of his recent doping case, according to former ATP doubles World No. 1 Emilio Sanchez Vicario.

Only a few months ago, many tennis were in awe of Sinner's incredible qualities. The young Italian dominated the ATP Tour, winning one trophy after another.

However, in a second, the approach of some of the fans and even his colleagues changed. The Italian player tested positive for a banned substance, clostebol, which became known months after he became the World No. 1 player.

The case was not made public for months, which made many question its integrity. Sinner, however, was allowed to continue competing, and he even won his second Grand Slam title at the 2024 US Open.

Still, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the ruling from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), meaning that Sinner's future will be decided at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Although the 23-year-old has provided all the evidence to show how he was contaminated, WADA claims that he is partially responsible for testing positive, which is why he might be suspended from competing.

His image certainly took a hit, as that of any player who tests positive for a banned substance, regardless of the circumstances. That's something that former doubles World No. 1 player Emilio Sanchez Vicario agrees with.

Sanchez Vicario talked to the Spanish publication MARCA, questioning why his case was even opened if the amounts found in his body were not sufficient to enhance his performance.

On top of that, Sanchez Vicario said that Sinner's image has already taken a hit, as has that of tennis, especially in the midst of following cases of Iga Swiatek and Max Purcell.

"The process has already been carried out, but WADA has imposed a different sanction for similar cases and is now entering into the process. Sinner must defend his case again… Nobody wants him to test positive."

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"But the sad thing about this is that there is a tendency to think that not everyone is judged equally. Sinner has lost his image, but so has tennis. If it is truly proven that the amount detected has not helped to improve performance, then why are these levels maintained."

Regardless of Sinner's ongoing case, Sanchez Vicario thinks that the young Italian is one of the players who could serve as a role model to many young players because of his mentality.

On top of that, Sinner's rival, Carlos Alcaraz, always pushes him forward, something the 59-year-old former player thinks will move the sport forward.

"But for me Sinner is one of the boys who has the best headspace to give a good message to the youth, he always speaks positively and he is a very good rival for Carlos because he will help him improve in consistency and intensity. I think he will help tennis to be better. I hope nothing happens."