“I believe in a clean sport,” Carlos Alcaraz said on Jannik Sinner‘s doping controversy. The two have locked horns on multiple occasions when it comes to tennis. But off the court, the community considers them as something of friends. But in the professional world, putting oneself on the line for a colleague is not easy. Especially when their alleged actions go against your principles.

The tennis world was blown away when news broke of Sinner failing a doping test for Clostebol in his system, which had reportedly entered his system through his physiotherapist. The Italian was cleared of charges and is allowed to play, but he did lose his 400 ranking points and $325k in earnings from Indian Wells, the place where suspicion about his blood content first rose. Among those criticizing the ITIA’s decision to let the World No. 1 go relatively scot-free, Alcaraz was more neutral with his response.

“I think there’s something behind this that a lot of people don’t know. I don’t even know. In the end, it’s something very difficult to talk about,” the Spaniard said ahead of the US Open. “In the end, he tested positive, but there must be a reason that allowed him to keep playing that we don’t know. So, I cannot talk a lot about it. He was declared innocent, and so we have Jannik in the tournament. And, so, there’s not much to talk about, and I’m in no position to add anything else.”

But for staunch Sinner fans, even this neutral statement was too much, after both players had stated that they respect each other and would even call the other a friend.

Angry tennis fans label Carlos Alcaraz as “Jannik (Sinner’s) fake friend”

The sporting rivals, although they compete hard, always have a fair bit of respect for each other because of the challenges they constantly face against each other. Only those at the top can understand others in a similar situation. “We respect each other a lot, we get along because we are similar, simple people who deeply love what they do,” were Jannik Sinner’s words for Alcaraz.

Given this history, is there any question as to why fans might respond like this to Alcaraz’s statement on the Sinner controversy? “If you had supported Jannik as a friend you would have gained universal respect but unfortunately you missed the opportunity. Sasha Zverev did much better and he got many new supporters today,” wrote one fan on the Spaniard’s recent post. Well what did Zverev say?

“I do not have enough information and I can’t make up my mind about it. Jannik is an exceptional guy I know even off the court, and I’ve always had a good relationship with him and that’s not going to change,” the German said when asked about the Jannik Sinner controversy. It was probably a good enough response for Sinner fans.

“You acted like a Jannik’s fake friend. He’s innocent, there’s a clear decision, you would say something different,” was another angry response from a Sinner fan. Interestingly, at the BNP Paribas Open where this can of worms was first opened, Sinner had faced Alcaraz in the semis.

Before that match, Alcaraz had words of high praise for the Italian, “He’s the best tennis player in the world right now, without a doubt… He’s playing unbelievable, no losses this year. I really enjoy watching him play. It’s going to be a really difficult match. It’s going to be a big challenge for me to see what my level is facing him.” After these words of admiration, some of the Sinner fans probably expected Alcaraz to defend his fellow player on the recent controversy, rather than maintaining a neutral stance. At least, their reactions suggest so.

One netizen brought up their tennis history, “You can beat him on the field sometimes, but as a person our Jannik is unreachable. Go Jannik.” (translated)

Sinner and Alcaraz have a close rivalry, with both of them playing on an equal level. Their current head-to-head record stands at 5-4 in Alcaraz’s favor, with their latest meeting in the semi-final of the French Open. It was a close game between the reigning Australian Open champion and the Prince of Clay. In the end, the Spanish star emerged victorious.

Another fan bashed Carlitos, “I am so disappointed in you Carlos. What you said about Sinner today is so wrong on so many levels. If you don’t know his case why are you talking about it? He was cleared because he did appeal immediately and was successful.”

It was reported that even Sinner’s coaches were unaware of the situation until Miami. Following that, they immediately appealed to the ITIA and hence the quick action.

For this fan, Alcaraz’s words were unforgivable, “Your words about sinner were embarrassing. And you would be a friend, weird concept you have of friendship.”

Well, it’s like any rivalry in sports; each side wants to give their best against someone who is their fiercest rival. However, for Jannik Sinner fans, Alcaraz should have done better when supporting his ‘friend’ through a difficult time, rather than staying neutral.