“Out of court settlement in abuse case and can’t understand how Jannik Sinner would do the same” – Fans slam Alexander Zverev’s take on Italian’s case
Alexander Zverev Questions Jannik Sinner’s Three-Month Doping Ban, Faces Backlash from Fans
Alexander Zverev recently shared his thoughts on Jannik Sinner’s controversial three-month doping suspension, suggesting that if Sinner were truly at fault, he should have received a harsher punishment. However, he also argued that if Sinner was not at fault, then he shouldn’t have been punished at all. His comments sparked debate among tennis fans, many of whom took issue with his stance.
During a pre-tournament press conference at the 2025 Rio Open, Zverev addressed the backlash surrounding Sinner’s negotiated settlement with WADA, which avoided a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing originally scheduled for April.
“It’s a weird situation because it’s been a very long process,” Zverev said. “First, he was cleared. Then WADA wanted a second look. To me, there are two options: Either you have no fault and get no suspension at all, or you do have fault, and three months is not a real suspension for taking steroids.”
Tennis Fans Slam Zverev Over His Comments
Many fans on Reddit were quick to call out Zverev, pointing to his own domestic violence allegations and out-of-court settlement with Brenda Patea, the mother of his daughter.
One fan remarked, “Sinner should have just let him cry on stage at AO ’25.” Another added, “Zverev of all people should understand what an out-of-court settlement means.”
Others criticized his perceived hypocrisy, with one fan commenting: “If you have fault, then for domestic violence, an out-of-court settlement is not a punishment either.”
What’s Next for Zverev and Sinner?
Zverev is set to begin his 2025 Rio Open campaign against Yunchaokete Bu on February 18, following his quarterfinal exit at the Argentina Open.
Meanwhile, Sinner will remain sidelined until May 4, missing major ATP Masters 1000 events, including Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid. However, he will make his return at the Italian Open, just ahead of the 2025 French Open.
