“There Are Mistakes” – Beyond the Doping Controversy Jack Draper Reveals the Jannik Sinner He Knows
Earlier this month, Jannik Sinner broke his silence about the controversial three-month doping suspension he accepted from WADA. In a candid chat with Sky Sports Italy, the Australian Open champion admitted, “The three-month suspension was a decision to be made in a short time… you have to choose the lesser evil.”
The “lesser evil” he referred to was avoiding a lengthy legal process with the Court of Arbitration for Sport—one that could’ve extended his suspension and derailed his season.
While critics like Nick Kyrgios accused him of receiving “preferential treatment,” others came to his defense—most notably, fellow pro and friend Jack Draper.
Back in February, shortly after Sinner’s sanction was announced, Draper publicly supported him:
“I know Jannik, he’s a good friend. I’m sure he wouldn’t have done anything intentionally… It’s not good for tennis,” he stated on February 17.
Now, Draper is doubling down on his support. Speaking with the BBC and The Guardian during the Madrid Open, Draper said, “When people ask about Jannik, I tell the truth – he’s a genuine, nice person and an unbelievable player. In this situation, I’m sure he had absolutely zero idea of anything. That’s life—sometimes there are mistakes.”
The ITIA backed Sinner’s claim of “no fault or negligence,” revealing that the banned substance Clostebol was part of an over-the-counter spray his physiotherapist used to treat a finger cut.
Sinner, ranked World No. 6, chose the ban over prolonging a legal battle, saying the case had been “hanging over [him] for nearly a year.” Accepting WADA’s settlement allowed him to protect his 2025 season and refocus.
“I’ve always accepted responsibility for my team. WADA’s rules are important for protecting our sport,” he said in February.
While away from competition, Sinner stayed active—spending time with family, biking, go-karting, and, most importantly, training hard for his return. Since April 13, he’s been officially eligible to train, eyeing a comeback at the Italian Open and then Roland Garros.
Draper, who trained with Sinner at the Monte Carlo Country Club after his own early exit, shared, “If you’re going to train with someone, it has to be one of the best. Jannik was still playing at an incredible level.”
He added, “He doesn’t deserve the hate. He’s kind-hearted and a good human being.”
