Sinner was absolved of fault or negligence by the International Tennis Integrity Agency. after testing positive for a banned substance twice.
Roger Federer has raised questions surrounding world number one Jannik Sinner's ability to avoid suspension after failing two anti-doping tests earlier this year. Despite testing positive for clostebol, a banned anabolic agent, in March, Sinner was cleared of fault or negligence by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The independent tribunal accepted Sinner’s claim that the substance had inadvertently entered his system via a product used by a team member to treat a small wound.
The swift resolution of Sinner’s case has sparked criticism within the tennis world. Some players were surprised at the speed of the proceedings, while others, like Nick Kyrgios, argued that the Italian should have received a ban.
.@rogerfederer shares how he is pulling back the curtain on his life in a new visual biography called "Federer." He also shares his thoughts on Jannik Sinner testing positive for a banned steroid before being cleared to compete in the U.S. Open. https://t.co/jPNCNUu5Oc
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 3, 2024
Federer, who spoke on America’s Today program, expressed belief in Sinner’s innocence but questioned why the 22-year-old was allowed to continue competing while the case was ongoing. “I think we all trust that Jannik didn’t do anything wrong,” Federer said. “But the inconsistency that he didn’t have to sit out while they weren’t 100 percent sure what was happening—that’s the question that needs answering."
— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) August 20, 2024
Federer acknowledged the complexities of the situation, pointing out how the uncertainty around doping tests can weigh heavily on athletes. “It’s the nightmare of every athlete to face these allegations. Every day, we’re filling out forms and waking up wondering if someone will show up to test us,” Federer shared. He also understood the frustration over whether Sinner had been treated differently compared to other athletes in similar situations.
Despite the controversy, Sinner has remained focused, reaching the US Open quarter-finals, where he will face fifth-seed Daniil Medvedev on Wednesday.
