Sabalenka Rejects Double-Standard Accusations
Aryna Sabalenka has addressed the controversy surrounding Jannik Sinner’s doping case, emphasizing that no one outside Sinner and the anti-doping authorities truly knows what happened. She also stressed that she does not believe the reigning Wimbledon champion was cleared because of his status in tennis.
Background of Sinner’s Case
In August 2024, the ITIA revealed that Sinner failed two doping tests during the Sunshine Double. However, the former world No. 1 avoided a ban after the ITIA concluded he did not intentionally or knowingly ingest a banned substance. Following public backlash, WADA intervened, and Sinner ultimately served a three-month doping ban from early February to early May 2025.
Novak Djokovic Comments
Last month, Novak Djokovic appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored. While not accusing anyone of wrongdoing, the 24-time Grand Slam champion noted that the public will always remember Sinner’s doping case. Djokovic said, “That cloud will follow him as the cloud of COVID will follow me for the rest of his or my career.”
Sabalenka’s Take Ahead of Kyrgios Match
Ahead of her match against Nick Kyrgios, Sabalenka joined Morgan and was asked about Djokovic’s comments. She said:
“Well, we’re not sure what actually going on there. I believe in clean sport, and I also believe that everyone have to be treated the same. But at the same time, I don’t believe that there was something in there, to be honest. Me, I’m really trying to be careful with everything and overprotecting myself after a couple of cases, because you can eat something in the restaurant and then you test positive.”
Sinner Maintains Innocence
Throughout the process, Sinner has consistently maintained his innocence and avoided public disputes with colleagues who questioned the handling of his case.
