Nick Kyrgios and Andrey Rublev have offered contrasting opinion on the doping controversy surrounding the world number one and defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner.
To give a bit of a context here, Sinner had tested positive for a prohibited anabolic steroid by the name of clostebol last year. He was exonerated by an independent panel but WADA then forced the issue by seeking a ban for Sinner because they felt the decision to let him go was a wrong one.
So while Sinner awaits a hear at the CAS which has been scheduled for February 2025, he has been allowed to feature at the Australian Open that will be held in mid-January. Sinner had won the title at this Grand Slam last year.
Two of Sinner’s peers have weighed in on the issue; taking polarising views on it.
Australia’s Nick Kyrgios reckons the administrators aren’t doing enough to maintain the integrity of the sport, having not only allowed Sinner to continue playing but also by awarding Darren Cahill, Sinner’s coach, the 2024 Coaching Excellence award at the Australian Tennis Awards.
Kyrgios called the decision a joke and asked those taking care of the sport to “have some class and integrity people”.
He added that while he had nothing against Sinner on a personal basis, he wouldn’t be as warm with the Italian as he used to be.
“I’m definitely not going to be warm and hospitable like I was before. I just want a level playing field for everyone. That’s what this fight is for.”
On the other hand, Russian player and Hong Kong Open and Madrid Open winner from 2024, Andrey Rublev, sympathised with Sinner’s situation.
Rublev expressed admiration at Sinner’s ability to handle the situation with the kind of aplomb, even going on to win the US Open and the ATP Finals late last year. He added the anti-doping laws were far stricter than other sports and admitted they needed to change.
He said:
“You can’t wish for any player to go through that [doping controversy]. I can’t imagine the stress or anxiety he felt during that time.”
The Russian added:
“I think the anti-doping system should be a little more understandable. In tennis, the rules are super strict, more than in other sports. I feel like every small mistake, even if unintentional, can threaten your career.”
And this is probably why Sinner still starts off a favourite going into the 2025 Australian Open with bet365 offering 2/1 for a title win for the world number one.
