Draper Defends Sinner
Following Sinner’s suspension for testing positive for clostebol, Draper expressed sympathy for the Italian, emphasizing that he believed in Sinner’s innocence and that his ban was not good for the sport.
“I know Jannik, he’s a good friend, and I am sure he wouldn’t have done anything intentionally,” Draper told Sky Sports.
“I don’t think it’s good for tennis that the No. 1 player in the world and someone who is doing incredible things is having a ban.”
Kyrgios’ Sharp Response
Kyrgios, however, took issue with Draper’s stance and did not hold back in his response.
“Then don’t have steroids in your system?” Kyrgios retorted.
The former Wimbledon finalist has been outspoken about Sinner’s case since last year, previously calling for a ban back in August.
When Sinner’s suspension was officially announced, Kyrgios took to social media to express his frustration, calling the decision “a sad day for tennis” and claiming that fairness in the sport “does not exist.”
“So you were innocent and we were getting fed that you were innocent but now you are suspended? Make it make sense. I’ve got multiple players in my DM’s on how putrid this is, even Grand Slam champions. Cooked.”
Sinner’s Doping Case Explained
Sinner tested positive for clostebol in March last year. He argued that the substance entered his system unknowingly through his physiotherapist, who had been using a spray containing clostebol to treat a cut on Sinner’s finger.
Initially, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted Sinner’s explanation and ruled that he bore no fault or negligence. However, WADA appealed the decision, arguing that Sinner was responsible for negligence within his team.
Final Ruling and Suspension Details
WADA and Sinner eventually reached an agreement for a three-month suspension, which runs from February 9 to May 4.
- Sinner will be able to resume official training on April 13.
- His ranking points and prize money from Indian Wells were docked as per anti-doping rules.
- The 23-year-old will be back in time for the Masters 1000 in Rome and the French Open.
Despite WADA’s insistence that Sinner’s case was “a million miles from doping,” the debate continues within the tennis world, with Kyrgios and Draper offering contrasting views on the fairness of the ruling.
