“Obviously I’m very disappointed and also surprised,”said Jannik Sinner upon hearing his doping appeal being reignited by WADA. His world turned upside down when he was handed a ban. After testing positive for the banned substance Clostebol, the world number 1 player faced massive backlash. However, amidst the backlash, there have been a few who have backed him. One amongst them being Serena Williams‘ childhood coach.

Jannik Sinner has received strong support from Serena Williams’ childhood coach, Rick Macci. The coach voiced his disapproval of the ban, saying, “Each situation is different. Not one size fits all. Sinner incident is documented and the explanation is understandable. Flamethrower should NOT be banned 1 second. Experts who decide fate need to breathe and see if what they have taken on purpose or mistake enhances performance”

An independent panel appointed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) investigated Sinner’s case and found no fault or negligence on his part. The 23-year-old provided a credible explanation.. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). WADA clarified it is not seeking disqualification of Sinner’s results beyond the penalties already imposed.

The penalties stripped Sinner of ranking points and prize money from his Indian Wells semi-final run, where he tested positive. Novak Djokovic weighed in, urging for a swift resolution, saying, “Whatever’s going to happen, I just wish for it to be resolved as soon as possible. This whole case is not helping our sport at all.”

Clostebol, banned since 2004, is found in Trofodermin, a common over-the-counter treatment in Italy.  The case sparks debates about doping rules and their application in such situations. While Sinner received heartfelt support from Macci, many have slammed him, one among them being Nick Kyrgios.

Nick Kyrgios is all in on Jannik Sinner amidst his doping case

Nick Kyrgios isn’t laying off the criticism stick of Jannik Sinner – taking to social media to express frustration over the doping scandal involving the Italian world no. 1. Following a ruling by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), Kyrgios called out the doping process and accused the system of leniency.

Responding to a tweet from fellow tennis pro Benjamin Lock, who said, “Two number 1s in the world failing drug tests in the same year is wild,” Kyrgios wrote, “Our sport is cooked.” Kyrgios didn’t stop there, following up with another post attacking the explanation provided in Sinner’s case. “The excuse that we can all use is that we didn’t know. Professionals at the highest level of sport can now just say ‘we didn’t know,’” he added.

The Australian star, who has previously called Sinner a “drug cheat,” has been vocal about his disapproval of the decision that allowed Sinner to continue playing despite testing positive for Clostebol twice. In August, Kyrgios labeled the ruling as “ridiculous,” saying, “You get tested twice with a banned substance…you should be gone for two years. Massage cream…Yeah nice.”

Kyrgios’ comments show his growing dissatisfaction over what he perceives as inconsistencies in tennis’ anti-doping enforcement. What are your thoughts? Do let us know in the comments below!