Roger Federer Questions Anti-Doping Fairness Amid Sinner Controversy

Roger Federer expressed concerns about a perceived double standard in anti-doping rules following the controversy surrounding Jannik Sinner. Despite two positive tests, Sinner avoided suspension. Federer trusts Sinner's innocence but calls for answers from authorities. Federer is in New York promoting his book and attending the U.S. Open.

Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer has voiced concerns over what he perceives as a double standard applied by anti-doping authorities in the case of world number one Jannik Sinner. Speaking to NBC's Today show on Tuesday, Federer highlighted the drama surrounding Sinner, who evaded a suspension despite two positive tests for the banned substance clostebol earlier this year. The 20-time Grand Slam winner called the situation 'tricky' and described it as 'the nightmare of every athlete,' while maintaining faith that Sinner did not knowingly consume the drug.

'It's not something we want to see in our sport. This type of news, regardless of whether he did something or not, is just noise that we don't want,' Federer said. He added, 'I understand the frustration about whether he has been treated the same as others, and I think this is where it comes down to.'

Federer further elaborated, 'I think we all trust pretty much that Jannik didn't do anything, but the inconsistency potentially that he'd have to sit out while they were not 100% sure about what was going on, I think that's the question here that needs to be answered. But it is what it is. We have to trust the process as well of everyone involved.'

Currently in New York to promote his new book, Federer also mentioned that he would be attending the evening session of the U.S. Open on Tuesday, marking his first visit to Arthur Ashe Stadium since retiring two years ago.

(With inputs from agencies.)