Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz has followed up with words of sympathy for embattled tennis player Jannik Sinner, who faces doping allegations. It was in March that their tennis fraternity was thrown into controversy when the 21-year-old Italian returned positive for traces of the banned substance clostebol.
The World Anti-Doping Agency just said it would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport-seeking a ban of up to two years. But the case is not yet settled even though the International Tennis Integrity Agency cleared him of wrongdoing-the agency accepted Sinner’s explanation that the substance entered his system through a spray used by his physiotherapist.
Speaking in Beijing at the China Open, the world number three said: “I think for tennis, it’s not really good. It’s not a good sign for tennis in general,” he said.
Some players seemed to be incredulous by Sinner’s explanation, but Alcaraz was understanding. “It is difficult for him, I know everybody is talking about that, he said, adding that the situation has no doubt changed how people look at the 23-year-old Italian star.
Alcaraz, into the Beijing quarterfinals, hailed Sinner for not letting the controversy affect his performance. “The game and the level that he’s playing with everything he’s been through right now, it’s insane,” said Alcaraz.
He concluded by hoping the issue would soon be behind Sinner. “I hope that this thing will be aside soon and he’s able to stay focused on what he loves, and that is playing tennis,” Alcaraz said.
Sinner also is in action in Beijing and will play Jiri Lehecka next.
