Roger Federer raises questions about Jannik Sinner's drugs saga handling despite believing World No. 1's innocence
Roger Federer recently shared his thoughts on Jannik Sinner's doping controversy. He raised questions about how the case was handled, despite expressing his belief in the World No. 1's innocence.
In August, it was disclosed that Sinner had tested positive for the banned substance Clostebol twice. The first instance was during the Indian Wells Masters in March, and the second came just eight days later.
Following an investigation, ITIA concluded that the Italian was not at fault or negligent. He clarified that Clostebol had entered his system through his former physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, who had used a spray containing the substance to treat a wound. As a result, he faced no ban but had to forfeit the prize money and ranking points earned at Indian Wells.
The situation caused quite a stir, with many tennis figures sharing their different views. Roger Federer was the latest to weigh in during an appearance on 'The Today Show' on September 3. He said:
"I understand it’s a tricky situation. It’s the nightmare of every athlete and team to have these allegations and these problems because we fill out these forms all day every day. And it lives with you."
"Every morning when you wake up, you think, ‘Is somebody at the door coming to test me?’ So it’s really difficult. I understand the frustration of, 'Has he been treated the same as others? And I think this is where it comes down to," he added.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion continued:
"I think we all trust pretty much that Jannik didn’t do anything, but the inconsistency potentially that he didn’t have to sit out while they weren’t 100 percent sure what was going on, I think that’s the question here that needs to be answered. But look, it is what it is, and we need to trust the process as well of anyone involved here."
Roger Federer to attend US Open for the first time after retirement
Roger Federer will make his first appearance at the US Open since his retirement on September 3, where he plans to attend the quarterfinal match between Frances Tiafoe and Grigor Dimitrov.
In his interview with 'The Today Show,' the Swiss shared his excitement about returning to the event, saying:
"Went to Wimbledon this year and I’ll go to the [US] Open actually tonight. So I haven’t been back at the Open since I retired."
"So it’s going to be also I’m sure nice to be in Ashe, you know, watching tennis from the sidelines this time. It's the first time I would ever do that," he added.
Federer is a five-time champion at Flushing Meadows, having lifted the trophy consecutively from 2004 to 2008.