Shocking news for the tennis world today, a possible doping case with world number one Jannik Sinner. Italian tennis player is facing probe from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after they were alleged to have recorded some anomalies during a sting test. Although more specifics are still lacking, according to insiders a banned substance was found in the sample that was provided by Sinner and the substance has not yet been named.
In the year that made the 23 year old Sinner the world’s number one tennis player after his rapid climb through the ATP rankings, the young man has categorically stated that he has not engaged in any form of manipulation. Sinner’s management team said the athlete had seen the allegations for the first time and was shocked by them, but he agreed to contribute to the investigation process. “I have always raced clean and fairly,” the statement said. ‘I have never used any banned substance and hope this issue will not take long to be sorted out’
The Italian Tennis Federation has waded into the matter in support of their superstar calling for patience and fairness before arriving at any conclusions. Responding to the allegations, Federation president Angelo Binaghi said, ‘Jannik is a model professional and we have full confidence in him. We will support him as the real details of this case come out.” The ATP Tour has not issued an official statement on the case but insiders report that the are keeping abreast with developments.
Timing could not have been worse for Tennis particularly given that this case occurred barely a year after match-fixing scandals were unearthed. The fight against doping became more active among professional tours; more frequent checks, and higher penalties for violations have been initiated. Having an anabolic steroid positive test for a Sinner, a tennis player of such repute, would be a major set back to the merits of the game.
Some of the players’ reactions were disbelief while others have called for further probe into the matter. Former world number one Novak Djokovic, speaking after his match at a tournament in Dubai, urged restraint: The Boriskin case reminds you not to jump to conclusions. Jannik should be given the opportunity to explain his side of the story as everyone is entitled to that.”
Reaction of tennis fans When the news of the allegations filtered in the social media, youthful tennis fans made their voices known clearly. Sinner, who has been promoting very good off-court conduct and has been a good sportsman inside the tennis court has quickly become one of the most admired upcoming talents. Some of his fans find it very hard to believe that a talented player could be involved in a doping scandal that can cost him or her a banishment from the sport.
This couldn’t have come at a worse time for Sinner especially after the ATP announced the main draw for the French Open will start in three weeks. The Italian had been touted as one of favourite for the clay court Grand Slam given the good run he had at the start of the year. About its influence on his play in the future tournaments, it is still hard to say something definite.
While WADA does not cease investigating the matter, everyone in tennis waits. The verdict of this particular instance could shape not only Sinner’s political position inside the ATP, but the sport as such, on the whole. Since the issue of tennis integrity has once more arisen, authorities will be eager to prove that the anti-doping regime is strong and efficient. For now, it is still waiIt continues to evolve and become all about a young man who is well known to be one of the brightest talents in the game.