HomeInternational NewsTennis debate over double standards as Jannik Sinner cleared of doping.

Tennis debate over double standards as Jannik Sinner cleared of doping.

Denis Shapovalov is among several tennis players who have criticized what they describe as double standards in the sport, following the exoneration of world number one Jannik Sinner after he tested positive for doping twice this year. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Tuesday that an independent tribunal had cleared Sinner to continue competing, a decision that has sparked anger among several of his peers, including former top 10 player Shapovalov.

“I can’t imagine how the other players who have been banned for contaminated substances feel right now,” the Canadian player wrote on social media. “Different rules for different players.” However, Sinner’s representatives have declined to comment on the social media opinions. “Jannik has been declared innocent after a thorough process and a detailed review by an independent panel,” his team added. “The reasons are outlined in the publicly available decision from the independent panel. It is not our responsibility to respond to comments made on social media.”

Darren Cahill, Sinner’s coach, told ESPN that they want to move past this incident. “We’re not looking for sympathy because we are very grateful that there is no ban associated with this,” he stated.

The Italian player, who lost in the semifinals at Indian Wells, tested positive for clostebol in March, with low levels of the banned substance found in his system. He has successfully challenged the automatic provisional suspensions and is now free to participate in the US Open, which begins on August 26.

“Whether Sinner doped or not, this isn’t right,” wrote British player Liam Broady on social media. “Many players go through the same thing and have to wait months or years for their innocence to be declared.”

The ITIA, established in 2021 by the sport’s governing bodies, stated that they had consulted experts who concluded that Sinner’s explanation was credible, and therefore supported the non-appeal of his provisional suspensions. Former British doubles number one Tara Moore also pointed out the contrast in how her case and Sinner’s case were handled. “Only the top players’ images matter,” she wrote.

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), founded by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil, is calling for consistency in the system. “The release of players’ anti-doping violations is generally positive,” said Ahmad Nassar, director of the players’ association. “But we need clear, consistent processes for all players, regardless of ranking, gender, or nationality.”

The decision from Tuesday may still be subject to potential appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) or the Italian Anti-Doping Agency. Australian player Nick Kyrgios has also criticized the decision, calling it “ridiculous” on social media.

Latest articles

Trump refuses to rule out use of military force to take Greenland

At a recent press conference, incoming U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he is...

Danish Minister Calls for Meeting on Proposed Parental Responsibility Law Changes

Social and Housing Minister Sophie Hæstorp Andersen has invited political parties in the Danish...

“Denmark announces new environmental initiatives to combat pollution and promote sustainability”

Please provide the Danish article you would like me to translate, and I'll be...

“Denmark Imposes Stricter Immigration Controls Amid Rising COVID-19 Concerns”

Please provide me with the Danish article you would like translated into English, and...

More News

Trump refuses to rule out use of military force to take Greenland

At a recent press conference, incoming U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he is...

Danish Minister Calls for Meeting on Proposed Parental Responsibility Law Changes

Social and Housing Minister Sophie Hæstorp Andersen has invited political parties in the Danish...

“Denmark announces new environmental initiatives to combat pollution and promote sustainability”

Please provide the Danish article you would like me to translate, and I'll be...