Following the reopening of the doping investigation against the world number one, Carlos Alcaraz acknowledged that he “felt” bad about Jannik Sinner and said the story was “not a good sign” for tennis.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) filed an appeal against Sinner’s clearance from any wrongdoing by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) following his two drug test failures earlier this year, which occurred just over a month ago.
The Italian tested positive for clostebol twice, but the ITIA determined in August that he was not at fault or negligent. Sinner claimed that the chemical had reached the Italians’ system due to contamination from a support team member.
Giacomo Naldi was the “support team member,” and Sinner later broke up with the physiotherapist, leading many to believe the case was over.
WADA, however, believes the finding of “no fault or negligence” was incorrect and has appealed the initial ITIA verdict to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), stating they will seek a ban of one to two years.
Naturally shocked by the information, Sinner declared, “I have nothing to hide,” and swore to “prove my innocence once more.”
Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam winner, acknowledges that it is unfortunate for tennis and that he too believed the case “was closed.”
“I don’t believe it’s a great indicator for tennis in general, or even for the sport in general. I mistook it for closed. I didn’t know exactly what transpired this month,” the Spaniard remarked.
“I was somewhat surprised to see the news that I just saw.” Alright, so what is happening that the case is once more open? I have no idea how things will turn out in the upcoming months. Undoubtedly, this is not good news for tennis.
Though he once again voiced his admiration for Sinner’s ability to perform at a high level despite the continuous drama, the 21-year-old also showed pity for the Italian.
“I am aware that this is a really challenging point. It’s challenging for him. The current world No. 3 remarked, “I know everyone is talking about it, the news is talking about it.”
Presumably, as he stated prior reaching New York, people began to view him differently. I’m not sure how it’s possible, but I am aware of the situation. I have sympathy for him.
“With everything he’s going through right now, the game and level he’s playing are insane.” It’s amazing how he can set everything aside to play excellent tennis on the court.
I’m hoping that this will go away quickly so he may continue to play tennis, which is what he loves, and not lose concentration on it.
“I’m hoping that over the next few months, with his loved ones by his side, he won’t feel down.”
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