Case Resolved: Rafael Nadal Supports ‘Innocent’ Jannik Sinner Ahead of Imminent Return from Doping Suspension

The countdown to Jannik Sinner’s return to professional tennis is almost over, yet two prominent figures in the sport believe the tennis community hasn’t fully moved on from his suspension.

Sinner has been absent from the courts since winning the Australian Open title in January, having accepted a three-month ban following two positive doping tests.

The management of the 23-year-old’s doping situation has drawn criticism from numerous past and present players, with Sinner’s suspension concluding just in time for him to compete at Roland-Garros.

Serena Williams is the latest tennis legend to voice concerns about the inconsistent treatment of doping cases, asserting that she would have faced a 20-year ban had she found herself in a similar predicament as Sinner.

“I’ve faced a lot of challenges, and I don’t want to bring anyone down,” she told Time Magazine when discussing Sinner’s case.

“But if I were in that situation, I would’ve been handed a 20-year ban. Let’s be honest, I would have had Grand Slam titles stripped from me.”

Williams further admitted that she “can’t help but think” of Maria Sharapova’s doping suspension when top players are investigated, recalling how her former rival endured a two-year suspension for unintentionally consuming a performance-enhancing substance.

Sinner resumed training last week and is scheduled to make his first appearance since the ban at the Italian Open in Rome on May 6.

While opinions around his return will likely be mixed, Rafael Nadal believes it is time for everyone to accept the decision made.

“Ultimately, if I’m not mistaken, he emerged from the ruling as innocent,” Nadal told the UK Telegraph.

“This situation hasn’t been beneficial for our sport, but sometimes these things happen.

“Accidents occur, and that’s how I view this, as I believe in Jannik.

“Based on what I know of Jannik, I am confident that he never intended to cheat or gain an unfair advantage. I am certain that Jannik is an innocent and upright individual.

“I don’t want to question the ruling. There are protocols we’ve all adhered to throughout our careers. If we’re dissatisfied with how those protocols operate, then it’s clear the parties involved need to work on improving them. I have faith in the ruling.

“Jannik has accepted the three-month sanction, so it’s case closed.”

British No.1 Jack Draper has also come to the defence of his close friend, stating that Sinner “does not deserve the hate” directed at him.

“When people inquire about Jannik, I share the truth – he is an incredibly genuine, kind person and an outstanding player,” Draper told the BBC.

“In this situation, I’m certain he had absolutely no knowledge of anything.”

“That’s just how life goes – sometimes mistakes occur.

“It’s crucial for others to understand and recognise that he is kind-hearted and a good person.

“He doesn’t deserve any of the negativity aimed at him.”