Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Draper Voices Support for Sinner Amidst Anti-Doping Ban Return
British tennis player Jack Draper has publicly defended his friend Jannik Sinner, stating that the Italian deserves no negativity as he prepares to return to professional tennis following a three-month anti-doping suspension. Draper’s supportive words come as Sinner, a prominent ATP player, is set to make his comeback at the Italian Open.
Draper: Sinner “A Genuinely Nice Person”
“When people enquire about him, or anyone, I will always be truthful,” Draper stated. “I believe Jannik is a genuinely nice person, and also an exceptional player. Regarding this situation, I am confident he had absolutely no knowledge of any wrongdoing. Mistakes can happen in life.”
Draper emphasized the importance of recognizing Sinner’s character: “In terms of my personal opinion of him, it’s crucial for people to understand and acknowledge that he is a kind-hearted and good human being. He is undeserving of the criticism he has received.”
Monaco Training Session Ahead of Sinner’s Return
Following his third-round defeat to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Monte Carlo, Draper returned to Monaco for a three-day training period with Sinner. Draper is notably the first high-profile player to train with Sinner as he plans his competitive return.
Their practice sessions took place at the Tennis Club de Beaulieu on indoor clay courts, which garnered attention due to a concurrent ITF Junior event at the venue, and also at the Monte Carlo Country Club, the prestigious location for a Masters 1000 tournament.
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Sparring with a Top Player
“I was seeking practice this week and knew Jannik was available in Monte Carlo on clay, so I arranged with his team to train with him for three or four days,” Draper explained. “Training with someone who is arguably the best in the world is invaluable. Despite his recent time away from competition, his playing level remains incredibly high. I am eager for his return to the tour; his presence has been missed. It was beneficial to spend a few days with him and engage in quality practice sessions.”
Sinner’s Ban and Upcoming Italian Open Appearance
Sinner is in the final phase of his three-month suspension after testing positive for clostebol in March. He is scheduled to make his return at the Italian Open next month, a significant event for one of Italy’s leading sports figures.
Background of the Anti-Doping Case
Before the US Open in August, Sinner initially received a no fault or negligence judgment, resulting in no suspension. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) appealed this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas). While a hearing was initially scheduled, Wada and Sinner’s team reached a case resolution agreement in February, resulting in a mutually agreed three-month ban.
Wada regulations stipulated that Sinner was prohibited from all officially sanctioned tournament locations for the initial two months of his suspension. However, he was permitted to resume training at official venues and with fellow professionals one month prior to his return to competition.
Draper and Sinner’s Friendship and Support
Both aged 23, Draper and Sinner’s association dates back to their junior careers as doubles partners, evolving into a friendship on the professional circuit. Sinner offered Draper encouragement during periods of injury, and even shared his pasta-cooking expertise. Draper has been a vocal supporter of Sinner since his case became public before the US Open, publicly stating his belief in Sinner’s lack of intentional wrongdoing. Privately, Draper has conveyed messages of support to Sinner, acknowledging him as a source of inspiration.
Focus on Tournament Preparations
As both athletes prepare for upcoming tournaments, with Draper focusing on clay court season and Sinner on his return, their training sessions were focused on their respective games. “To be honest, we didn’t talk a great deal,” Draper mentioned. “On the court, Jannik is always highly professional. He holds the world No. 1 ranking for good reason – his consistency and exceptional play. That level of professionalism is unchanged. While he may have some minor rust in certain areas, he is demonstrably improving daily. With each point played, he was visibly getting better.”
Current Rankings and Upcoming Matches
Despite participating in only one tournament this year, the Australian Open victory in January, Sinner maintains his position as ATP No. 1 by a considerable margin. Draper currently ranks just below Sinner at No. 4 in the ATP Race.
Draper, seeded fifth in Madrid, has a first-round bye and will face either Tallon Griekspoor or a qualifier in his opening match. Cameron Norrie is set to compete against Martín Landaluce, with Jacob Fearnley joining the main draw after a qualifying victory.
In the women’s draw, Emma Raducanu will play against Suzan Lamens, while Sonay Kartal will face Jaqueline Cristian. Katie Boulter is scheduled to play Katerina Siniakova.