Jiri Lehecka braves criticism from troll after loss to Jannik Sinner at China Open causes controversial comments on Italian's doping saga to resurface
Jiri Lehecka's controversial past remarks on Jannik Sinner's doping saga resurfaced after a troll targeted him following his 2024 China Open quarterfinal loss to the Italian. In response, Lehecka stood by his previous comments before the troll deleted their post.
Earlier in the year, Sinner tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug twice but he evaded suspension due to his swift appeals being accepted. The news about the Italian's failed drug tests was made public in August. It was revealed that the ITIA and an independent tribunal had ruled that Sinner was not at fault.
Soon after, Lehecka controversially commented that Sinner used his high net worth to hire lawyers who helped him.
"Jannik is able to slap five million euros on the table for lawyers and say: Guys, come on, let's play. I think that's one of the reasons they were more careful with him," Lehecka said in a statement (via iDNES.cz).
On Monday, September 30, Lehecka and Sinner faced off in the quarterfinal of the 2024 China Open. The World No. 1 did not face a lot of trouble putting away the Czech player 6-2, 7-6(6).
After the match, a troll on X tried to take a dig at Lehecka and wrote:
"Hi Jiri, this is why he can spread five million euros on a table to pay for a lawyer and you can't"
The World No. 37 took note of the comment and responded:
"I agree"
However, soon after, the troll deleted their post from X and apologized for being "stupid and hasty."
"I deleted that post. I never thought it could cause so much chaos. Mine was a joke taken from Jiri's statement, ultra offensive in my opinion. In any case I was stupid and hasty. I apologize." (the above post translated from Italian)
In the latest development regarding Sinner's doping controversy, WADA has appealed the ITIA's verdict on his case. The world body is seeking a two-year ban for the Italian.
Jannik Sinner reveals he has endured "sleepless nights" due to the doping controversy
Jannik Sinner is on a 10-match win streak since the news about his failed drug tests was made public. His rival Carlos Alcaraz also commended his impressive form in such a difficult situation.
In a press conference after his win over Jiri Lehecka at the 2024 China Open, Sinner was asked how he continues to focus on tennis during the ongoing doping controversy. Sinner shared the emotional toll this situation has taken on him.
"First of all, it's not a situation where I like to be in, no? It's a very delicate and difficult and also different situation," Jannik Sinner said.
But what I know is that I always try to remind myself that I haven't done anything wrong, which already just gives you a little bit head up. For sure I had sleepless nights during this time. Now again it's going to be not easy," he added.
He also admitted that although he is disappointed about being in this position again, his focus remains on staying sharp and doing everything possible to prepare for each match.
Next up for Sinner is the 2024 China Open semifinal against Yunchaokete Bu on Tuesday, October 1 at the Diamond Court in the China National Tennis Center in Beijing.