Rafael Nadal Defends Jannik Sinner Amid Doping Controversy

Rafael Nadal expressed his belief that Jannik Sinner did not intend to use a banned substance, after the International Tennis Integrity Agency cleared the player of intentional doping. Nadal trusts the judgment of the governing bodies and debunks the notion of preferential treatment due to Sinner’s ranking.

Rafael Nadal voiced his support for Jannik Sinner during an interview on Spanish TV, stating his belief that Sinner did not intentionally use a banned substance. Nadal emphasized that the decision to clear Sinner was based on careful judgment by the authorities.

Nadal, a 22-time major champion, stated, 'I trust that he wasn't punished because those who judged this case determined quite clearly that there was nothing to punish. I don't believe the sentence has anything to do with him being No 1 in the world.'

The International Tennis Integrity Agency clarified on August 20 that Sinner tested positive due to trace amounts of an anabolic steroid from a massage. Nadal firmly believes in justice and supports the decision made by the governing bodies.

(With inputs from agencies.)