Rafa Nadal Defends Jannik Sinner Amid Doping Allegations

Rafa Nadal has defended Jannik Sinner after the top-ranked player tested positive for clostebol, citing the Italian's good faith. Nadal insists that anti-doping organizations are reliable and do not offer preferential treatment. This comes amid calls for clearer doping protocols and standardised approaches in tennis.

Rafa Nadal has come to the defense of Jannik Sinner after the world number one tested positive for a banned substance but was not punished. Nadal stated that the Italian would never have considered doping and was not judged differently due to his top-ranked status.

In March, Sinner tested positive for clostebol, a muscle-building steroid, but was cleared by a tribunal after it was revealed that his physiotherapist inadvertently applied a spray containing the substance. Despite skepticism from some players about double standards, Nadal urged trust in anti-doping organizations.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) vindicated Sinner, who maintained his innocence, pointing out the minuscule amount of clostebol found. Nadal rejected claims of preferential treatment, emphasizing his faith in the decision-makers and justice. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios called for clearer protocols and standardised approaches.

(With inputs from agencies.)