Nick Kyrgios, Denis Shapovalov lambast decision to not ban Jannik Sinner despite failed dope test

Denis Shapovalov and Nick Kyrgios took to social media as they felt Jannik Sinner was let go easy.

There has been strong opposition for Jannik Sinner in the tennis circuit after his failed doping test. Nick Kyrgios and Denis Shapovalov have reacted strongly against Sinner as he was given clearance even after testing positive for Clostebol, a steroid used for muscle mass, during the Indian Wells Masters in March 2024. Sinner was stripped of the 400 points he gained at the event.

Nick Kyrgios took to X (formerly Twitter) and stated that the Italian player should have been banned for two years. He tweeted, ’You get tested twice with a banned (steroid) substance…you should be gone for 2 years. Your performance was enhanced. Massage cream…Yeah nice.’

Ridiculous – whether it was accidental or planned. You get tested twice with a banned (steroid) substance… you should be gone for 2 years. Your performance was enhanced. Massage cream…. Yeah nice 🙄 https://t.co/13qR0F9nH2

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) August 20, 2024

Canadian player Denis Shapovalov too felt that Sinner was treated differently by the officials. He tweeted, ‘Different rules for different players’ and in another tweet he said ‘Can’t imagine what every other player that got banned for contaminated substances is feeling right now.’

Different rules for different players

— Denis Shapovalov (@denis_shapo) August 20, 2024

Can’t imagine what every other player that got banned for contaminated substances is feeling right now

— Denis Shapovalov (@denis_shapo) August 20, 2024

There was comparison amongst the fans as they brought up the cases of Jenson Brooksby and Mikael Ymer. Both players had missed three doping tests within the 12 months frame as they received suspensions from the tour. But in Sinner’s case, he failed two tests in which the second test took place after eight days.

Also Read: Jannik Sinner gets clearance for US Open 2024 participation despite failing dope test

Why didn’t Jannik Sinner receive suspension or punishment after failing two doping tests?

In a statement released by the ATP, the organisation did not find any fault or negligence by the player in the case. The Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP) has allowed Sinner to continue competing on the ATP tour without any ban or punishment. However, the 400 points that he had gained while playing at Indian Wells 2024 has been deducted.

Sinner had come in contact with Clostebol, a banned substance through his physiotherapist who was unaware of the substance being used at that time.

The physiotherapist had a cut in his finger and had used it to treat his wound. It came in contact with lesions on Sinner as the physiotherapist had not used gloves. Moreover, less than a billionth of a gram was found in his body.

The 23-year-old might not receive a warm welcome during the US Open 2024. The fans and certain players are not happy with the outcome of the case. It has become public after five months and Sinner will find it tough to put this case behind him.

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