Andy Roddick echoes Andy Murray's ex-coach's sentiments about Jannik Sinner's drug controversy being unique to other cases in the past
Former tennis player Andy Roddick echoed Murray's ex-coach Mark Petchey's opinions on supporting Jannik Sinner amid the doping controversy. The Italian player was recently found positive for a banned substance; however, the officials have now cleared him of the allegations.
In March, Sinner was found positive for Clostebol, which is a banned anabolic steroid. It was found in a tiny amount in his urine sample. Normally, the players receive a ban from the sport, however, the World's No.1 avoided the suspension. It was found that the usage of the drug was unintentional and was contaminated by his physiotherapist, who unknowingly used a product that carried the drug.
Amid this scenario, Petchey took to his X and took a stand for Sinner. He spoke about Mikael Ymer's case, in which he received an 18-month suspension for missing three test attempts with the Italian's case and claimed it to be different from the Italian player's controversy.
"We live in a world where no one can objectively look at one thing and see it for what that is in isolation," Petchey wrote. "It always has to be tied to other grievances that are totally irrelevant to the one thing that is being discussed. If you think the Ymer case is the same as Sinners - you are wrong."
He added:
"If you think any of the other doping cases in tennis are the same - you are wrong. If you think the Covid jab has any relevance to the Sinner case you are wrong."
Following this, Andy Roddick agreed with Petchey's opinions and commented:
"Preach."
ATP releases statement on Jannik Sinner's innocence
Jannik Sinner argued that the drug wasn't consumed intentionally by him and was contaminated because of bare-handed body massages from his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi. He unknowingly exposed the player to the drug through a healing spray. After all the required investigations, the ATP declared Sinner innocent and closed the matter.
The ATP Tour shared the statement on X and wrote:
"We are encouraged that no fault or negligence has been found on Jannik Sinner’s part. We would also like to acknowledge the robustness of the investigation process and independent evaluation of the facts under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP), which has allowed him to continue competing."
Acknowledging the hard time of the player, they added:
"This has been a challenging matter for Jannik and his team, and underscores the need for players and their entourages to take utmost care in the use of products or treatments. Integrity is paramount in our sport."
The decision of his innocence came after Jannik Sinner gained triumph at the Cincinnati Open 2024, where he trounced Frances Tiafoe with a 7(7)-6(4), 6(4)-2 scoreboard.