“They’re trying to sweep it under the rug” – Denis Shapovalov highlights double standards of Jannik Sinner escaping penalty of drugs ban

Denis Shapovalov has criticized the disparity in penalties for doping violations in tennis, particularly highlighting his concern about Jannik Sinner’s situation. Shapovalov pointed out that Sinner, despite failing two doping tests, received what he perceives as a lenient punishment compared to other players who have faced extended suspensions for missing tests. Shapovalov’s comments underscore a broader issue of perceived inconsistency in how doping regulations are enforced in the sport.

Jannik Sinner faced two brief, undisclosed suspensions related to doping violations, and he was stripped of the ranking points and prize money earned at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Despite these sanctions, the lack of public announcement and the relatively short duration of the suspensions have led to criticisms from players like Denis Shapovalov, who argue that the penalties seem inconsistent compared to other doping cases in tennis.

On August 20, reigning World No. 1 Jannik Sinner disclosed that he had tested positive for clostebol, a banned steroid, on two occasions in March. He was informed of these positive tests in April. However, the minimal amount of clostebol detected (less than a billionth of a gram) and Sinner’s evidence that the contamination resulted from his physio’s use of a clostebol-containing spray on a cut finger led to a relatively lenient outcome. As a result, Sinner faced only brief suspensions and was stripped of ranking points and prize money from the BNP Paribas Open, but avoided more severe sanctions.

The tennis community has been divided by the news, with various players questioning the perceived inconsistencies in doping punishments. Denis Shapovalov, a former World No. 10, voiced his concerns about the leniency towards Sinner. On the same day that Sinner’s statement was released confirming his clearance by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), Shapovalov took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his dissatisfaction with the situation.

On the same day that Jannik Sinner announced his clearance by the ITIA, Denis Shapovalov took to X (formerly Twitter) to comment: “It’s strange how some players get long bans for missing tests while others seem to face minimal consequences for positive tests. I hope this isn’t how we handle doping in tennis

“Can’t imagine what every other player that got banned for contaminated substances is feeling right now,”

Shapovalov added in a separate post.

Recently, Denis Shapovalov told Tennis Majors that his reaction to the situation involving Jannik Sinner was less about Sinner personally and more about his concerns over perceived double standards in the enforcement of doping regulations in tennis. Shapovalov emphasized that his criticism was aimed at the inconsistency in how such cases are handled rather than targeting Sinner specifically.

“Honestly, it has nothing to do with Jannik. To me, it’s just about how they handle every situation differently, depending on what player it is,”

Shapovalov told Tennis Majors.

Shapovalov further criticized the authorities, accusing them of “trying to sweep Sinner’s case under the rug.” He stated, “It’s not right that some players face severe penalties while others receive minimal consequences, creating an unfair environment in the sport.”

Darren Cahill, Jannik Sinner’s coach, explained to ESPN that the swift resolution of Sinner’s case was due to the independent tribunal’s clear understanding of the steroid’s source. Cahill noted that this clarity helped expedite the process and avoid a prolonged suspension for Sinner.

Darren Cahill remarked, “With Jannik’s case, they knew exactly where it came from. Within five minutes, they identified the only possible source of the contamination. So, they were pretty quick to resolve the situation and lift the temporary ban.”

Yes, the article is helpful in providing a clear update on Jannik Sinner’s current status and recent achievements. It effectively highlights his upcoming role as the top seed at the 2024 US Open and his recent victory at the Cincinnati Open.