Roger Federer says there are questions that need to be answered about world number one Jannik Sinner avoiding a suspension despite failing two doping tests earlier this year.
Sinner tested positive for banned substances twice in March but was cleared of any allegations of negligence or negligence by the International Tennis Integrity Authority (ITIA).
An independent tribunal accepted Sinner’s explanation that the anabolic drug clostebol, which helps muscle growth, accidentally entered his body via a product used by one of his team to treat a minor wound.
The decision was criticised within the tennis community, with some players surprised at the speed at which the case was heard, while others, such as Nick Kyrgios, believe Sinner should have been suspended.
Kyrgios described the situation as “absurd” and posted to X: “You should be suspended for 2 years after being tested for a banned substance (steroids) twice, whether by accident or design. Your performance has improved.”
Federer believes Sinner has done nothing wrong but expressed surprise that he has not been suspended until the incident is resolved.
“I think we pretty much believe Yannick didn’t do anything,” Federer said on NBC’s Today show on Tuesday.
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In an interview with Sky Sports, Jannik Sinner reflected on the investigation into his positive test for a banned substance.
“But the inconsistency of him not playing when we’re not 100% sure what’s going on is a question that I think needs to be answered here.
“But this is the reality and we need to trust the process with everyone involved here.”
“I understand this is a difficult situation. We fill out paperwork all day every day, so to have these allegations and issues is a nightmare for all our athletes and teams.”
“And it lives with you. Every morning you wake up and you think, ‘Is someone going to come to the door and test me?’ So it’s really hard.”
“I understand the frustration: ‘Has he been treated the same as everyone else?’ And I think that’s what it comes down to.”
Following the ITIA ruling, Sinner said he wanted to put a “difficult and very unfortunate period” behind him.
“In my heart I know I haven’t done anything wrong and that helps a lot in this case,” he said in an interview with Sky Sports during the U.S. Open.
“Obviously, we can’t control all of the outcomes of this case.”
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Jannik Sinner defeated Tommy Paul in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open where he will face Daniil Medvedev.
The 23-year-old then reached the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows and will face fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev on Wednesday.
Sky Sports+ has officially launched Sky TVstreaming services now The Sky Sports app will also allow Sky Sports customers to watch over 50% more live sport this year, at no extra cost. Find out more here.
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