Boris Becker lauds Carlos Alcaraz as Spaniard extends his support to Jannik Sinner amid "really difficult" doping tests ordeal after WADA's appeal
Boris Becker praised Carlos Alcaraz’s heartfelt words to Jannik Sinner following the announcement of WADA’s appeal in the latter’s doping case. Alcaraz highlighted his arch-rival’s on-court results while acknowledging his “really difficult” ordeal.
Sinner tested positive for traces of a banned substance called Clostebol in March. He was declared innocent by an independent tribunal in August after it was proved that the unintentional contamination was the result of errors on the part of his former physiotherapist and fitness coach.
However, on Thursday, September 26, Jannik Sinner faced a setback after the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed his verdict. While the appeal didn’t question the contamination, WADA focused on the “no fault or negligence” decision and asked for a ban between one and two years.
Carlos Alcaraz, who, just like Sinner, is competing at the China Open, was asked about the new development during his post-match press conference. The Spaniard was empathetic toward his arch-rival and expressed his disappointment about the “very difficult” period.
"It's difficult. I know that is a really difficult point. I know everyone talking about it, the news, talking about it," Alcaraz said. "Probably, as he said before New York, the people started to look at him in different way. I don't know how it can be. But for sure I understand the position. I feel him."
Alcaraz was also impressed by Jannik Sinner’s mental fortitude. Despite the controversy and online abuse, the World No. 1 has ceaselessly pursued his on-court aspirations, having won six titles this season, including two Grand Slams.
"The game and the level that he's playing with everything he's been through right now, it's insane. He's able to put all the things aside when he steps on the court, playing a good tennis, is unbelievable," he said.
Boris Becker, a staunch supporter of Jannik Sinner, was impressed by Carlos Alcaraz’s response.
"Carlos is a class act !" the fellow former World No. 1 said on X.
"I hope that this term will be aside soon" – Carlos Alcaraz on Jannik Sinner's prolonged doping test ordeal
During the same press conference, Carlos Alcaraz also wished Jannik Sinner would be free of controversy soon.
"I hope that this thing, this term will be aside soon and he's able to stay focused on what he loves, and that is playing tennis, trying to keep going," the World No. 3 said.
"All I can say, I hope that with his people around, his close people and him, not going to feel bad these next months," he added.
Sinner and Alcaraz, who are the top two seeds at the 2024 China Open, have both reached the quarterfinals. Sinner is the defending champion at the event, while the latter was beaten by the Italian in the semifinals last year.
The duo will bid for a spot in the final four on Monday, September 30. Jannik Sinner will ace Jiri Lehecka, while Carlos Alcaraz is set for a battle against Karen Khachanov.