"Rules are rules unless your name is Jannik Sinner"; "Alas agendas are agendas" - Fans argue over provisional doping suspension of Nicolas Zanellato

Tennis fans recently engaged in debates regarding the recent doping suspension of Nicolas Zanellato, especially in light of Jannik Sinner being cleared of suspension despite failing two drug tests earlier this year. Sinner had tested positive for the prohibited substance clostebol twice in March during the 2024 Indian Wells Masters.

Brazilian tennis player Zanellato tested positive for the prohibited substance Boldenone while competing in an ATP Challenger event in Ibague, Colombia, in June of this year. Following this, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) placed him under provisional suspension, which has been effective from 12 August 2024.

Despite Nicolas Zanellato appealing the provisional suspension before an independent tribunal chair, the appeal was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner, who tested positive for clostebol, claimed that his physiotherapist unknowingly applied trace amounts of the substance during a massage. Following an investigation by the ITIA, it was determined that Sinner bore 'No Fault or Negligence' leading to his clearance from suspension.

The contrasting outcomes of Zanellato's provisional suspension and Sinner's clearance sparked discussions among tennis fans on social media .

One fan criticized the ITIA for seemingly applying different standards to different players, except for Sinner.

"Rules are rules unless your name is Jannik Sinner," a fan posted.

Another fan urged people to read the ITIA report on Nicolas Zanellato's suspension before making judgments.

"You’d think people would use a bit of common sense when reading the report but alas agendas are agendas," a fan wrote.

Many fans pointed out that Zanellato's failure to provide sufficient evidence to contest the suspension was the reason for his suspension, while Sinner's ability to provide compelling evidence helped him avoid one.

"I can tell none of you read the report because it clearly states that they had to dismiss the appeal “on the basis that the evidence provided fell well short of the required threshold,” meaning he couldn’t explain why he was contaminated which is the contrast to jannik’s case," a fan posted.

"He tested for a substance used on HORSES, was granted the right to appeal just like everyone else, couldn’t provide a plausible explanation to how, where and why he got contaminated, therefore it’s been made public. Tennis twt is genuinely worse than a flat-earth convention," a fan wrote.

Many fans pointed out that Nicolas Zanellato used a prohibited substance, commonly found in horses, which led to his suspension.

"The substance that was found was an "anabolic steroid developed for veterinary use, mostly for treatment of horses" Excuse me..." a fan posted.

"For those comparing this case to Sinner, this is the relevant difference. Like Sinner, Zanellato appealed the provisional suspension but his evidence fell “way short” of the required threshold," a fan posted.

"Jannik Sinner would never ever intentionally do anything, he's honest to the core" Italian's coach Darren Cahill

Speaking about Jannik Sinner testing positive for the prohibited substance clostebol and subsequent avoidance of suspension, coach Darren Cahill praised the Italian as a "great kid" and someone who is incredibly professional. He also expressed that Sinner would never intentionally take a banned substance.

"He's [Jannik Sinner] a great kid, he's incredibly professional, he's maybe the most professional young man that I've ever had the chance to work with. He would never ever intentionally do anything," Cahill said .

Cahill also commended Sinner's upbringing, attributing his character to his "wonderful parents" and their influence on him being "honest to the core."

"I think everybody's entitled to their opinion. I know this is a highly sensitive issue for everybody - all coaches, all players , all fans. He's a good man, he's been brought up by wonderful parents, he's honest to the core you can see that in the way he plays," he added.

Jannik Sinner most recently competed at the 2024 US Open, where he won his second Grand Slam title by defeating Taylor Fritz in the final. He will next compete at the Shanghai Masters, a tournament that will also feature players like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alexander Zverev among others.