Jannik Sinner gets serious about doping drama when asked about Carlos Alcaraz’s comments

Jannik Sinner was certainly happy to hear Carlos Alcaraz applaud him for the way he has been able to play in these conditions in recent months, but also admitted that he has had some “sleepless nights” since WADA informed him of their decision in these circumstances. his doping case.

Last weekend, WADA confirmed that they would appeal to the CAS against the ITIA ruling in the Italian’s doping case. Specifically, the world’s largest anti-doping agency said they did not believe it was correct to rule that the 23-year-old bore no fault or negligence in his situation and that they would seek a one- to two-year ban.

Since the top players are in Beijing, the reporters used it to ask Alcaraz to share his opinion on the matter. The four-time Grand Slam champion described it as “a sensitive matter” for both Sinner and tennis. After making that clear, the 21-year-old also acknowledged how impressive it was that the Italian managed to win a Grand Slam and also reach the world number 1 ranking since learning about a failed doping test in March.

After a 6-2 7-6 (6) victory in the Beijing quarterfinals against Jiri Lehecka, the reigning US Open champion was asked about “Alcaraz’s beautiful words.”

“First of all, it’s not a situation I like to be in, no? It’s a very delicate and difficult and different situation. But what I know is that I always try to remind myself that I haven’t done anything wrong. That worries I’ve certainly had sleepless nights during this period. Even now it won’t be easy,” said Sinner.

“It’s a reminder that this could potentially happen. Obviously I’m disappointed to be in this situation again. I’m just trying to somehow stay focused on my work and try to do everything I can to be ready for every match I play. But yes, this is a very difficult moment for me and also for my team. So it’s not just me who is (unrecognizable), but it’s also the team I keep close to who I feel very good about, people who know me as a person. They know me, so yeah… But it’s not easy, that’s for sure.”

What exactly did Alcaraz say about Sinner?

After the world number 1 won the Cincinnati Masters, ITIA announced that the Italian was under doping investigation and that he had been acquitted. Since then, he has also made it all the way to the US Open and also made a strong start in Beijing, extending his winning streak to fifteen matches.

Over the past forty days, Sinner has been defended by some, but also fiercely criticized. However, he has still managed to win all his matches over the past month and a half.

“Well, it’s hard. I know that’s a very hard point. It’s hard for him. I know everyone who talks about it, the news, talks about it. Probably, as he said before New York, people started looking at him to look at it in a different way, I don’t know how it can be done, but I certainly understand the position,” Alcaraz said.

“But anyway, the game and the level he’s playing, with everything he’s been through now, is insane. He’s able to put all things aside when he steps on the court and plays good tennis, that’s incredible “I hope this term will be over soon and he can continue to focus on what he loves, which is playing tennis, and try to carry on. I will feel bad for the next few months.”

Why was Sinner surprised?

After news of his positive drug test came to light on August 20, the 23-year-old spoke with WADA officials a few times as the agency tried to determine whether or not to appeal the ITIA ruling. And according to this year’s Australian Open champion, he felt that all his hearing was going extremely well and that it wouldn’t come to this.

“Of course I’m very disappointed and also surprised by this call, to be honest, because we’ve had three hearings. All three hearings turned out very positively for me. You know, I didn’t expect it. I knew it a few days ago al , that they appealed, that it becomes official today, so… I’m just surprised that they appealed,” Sinner said.

Meanwhile, the Italian will battle Alcaraz in the Beijing final.