JANNIK SINNER: PREVIOUSLY SUSPENDED ATP STAR ‘DEVASTATED AND SHOCKED’ BY DRUG TESTS RULING

An ATP star who was previously suspended for a doping violation has revealed he is “devasted and shocked” amid the controversy surrounding Jannik Sinner’s two failed drug tests.

It was revealed by the ITIA on Tuesday that Sinner, the current ATP world No 1 and reigning Australian Open champion, had twice tested positive for clostebol back in March.

The Italian successfully appealed both suspensions and faces no further sanction after being found to be of “no fault” in the case, though he has been stripped of his Indian Wells prize money and ranking points.

Among those to react was world No 168 Kamil Majchrzak, who returned to court at the beginning of 2024 after a 13-month suspension.

The former world No 75 tested positive on three occasions towards the end of the 2022 season and was provisionally suspended in December of that year.

The Pole claimed an isotonic drink had led to the positive tests and he was found to have “not knowingly or intentionally” committed a violation in August 2023, though remained banned until that December.

Majchrzak is in US Open qualifying this week, though revealed on Instagram it was “extremely painful” to learn of Sinner’s case shortly before his opening round match in New York.

He wrote: “A few hours before the match, I received news from the tennis world that is shocking and extremely painful for me.

“I did not go into details for my own health and mental comfort, but the fact that I could not even set foot on a non-private court for most of the duration of my case while other [sic] could play normally and fulfill their dreams in the same situation does not give me peace. I am devastated and shocked.

“But as I said, maybe I am wrong. Besides, who cares what player [sic] with lower ranking thinks.”

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The 28-year-old defeated Michael Zheng in his first round qualifying match at Flushing Meadows, and faces Daniel Galan in round two on Wednesday.

“A lot of emotions both on and off court,” he added.

“Glad at the end I manage to win a very difficult match. I’m incredibly happy to compete in the biggest tournament again.

“Thanks for your support and see you all tomorrow.”

Majchrzak is not the only player to raise concerns about the manner of the ruling made in Sinner’s case, with ATP stars Nick Kyrgios, Lucas Pouille, Denis Shapovalov, and Liam Broady among those critical of the decision made.

Tennis greats John McEnroe and Chris Evert are among the former players who have also questioned the circumstances surrounding Sinner’s case and the eventual ruling.

2024-08-21T16:48:44Z dg43tfdfdgfd