Jannik Sinner just got a 3-month suspension, last week, following a controversial doping case. The World No.1 was initially set to attend a hearing at the Court of Arbitration in Sports (CAS) in April. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had appealed for the same last September. However, in what one can describe as a surprise twist, WADA changed its stance. On February 15, it confirmed in a statement that Sinner accepted a ban, from February 9 to May 4. Ever since the news surfaced online, various tennis figures have reacted to this verdict, including his rival and World No. 5 Casper Ruud. A few days back, he extended his immense support saying, “I’m with him. I think he’s a good guy.” But guess what? He didn’t say it at all!

For the unversed, popular X account, The Tennis Letter, shared a post on Monday. Apparently, it revealed Ruud’s comments on Sinner’s case after he received a 90-day ban. “I know Jannik very well. I’m with him. I think he’s a good guy. Of course, after this, he will still be the best player in the world,” the post read while quoting the Norwegian ATP pro. But it appears Ruud never said those words in the first place.

On Wednesday, the 2024 ATP Finals semifinalist took to his X. Giving a major clarity, he wrote, “Hey guys! Just wanted to say that I never said this. I was asked about the case last week, and simply said I didn’t have any comments as I hadn’t read the full statement at that point.” Furthermore, he called out “untrustworthy journalism” and false reporting for creating this confusing situation. However, he did write in his post that “Jannik is a good guy.”

Once this post went live, The Tennis Letter responded by writing, “Hey Casper. I’d just like to make it clear that this quote was posted on Le Parisien… we did not make it up. Their article is still up. I’m not sure why they lied about your words. Very sorry about this. The post will be deleted.” Replying to the same, the 26-year-old wrote, “Sorry I should have said bad and untrustworthy journalism from Le Parisien because that’s where it started. My statement was never towards you guys. No need to apologize.

Moving on, it seems he wanted to make sure everyone was aware of his stance on the Italian. While he didn’t say whether the three-time Major winner is innocent of getting the suspension, Ruud’s impression is definitely not negative. And he’s not the only one who thinks so. There are some other renowned tennis pros, too, who clearly believe the 2025 Australian Open winner didn’t do anything wrong.

Serena Williams’ former coach defends Jannik Sinner despite 3-month suspension

Jannik Sinner tested positive last year, on two occasions, for the banned substance Clostebol. Despite that, an independent panel set up by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) found out, in August, that the Italian wasn’t at fault. The ITIA’s verdict termed him not guilty while stating “no fault or negligence.” Simply put, he didn’t take Clostebol willingly. However, WADA wasn’t satisfied and challenged this judgment while reaching out to the CAS a month later. Later, the court gave the dates for the hearing in April. But now, there won’t be any hearing following WADA’s settlement with Sinner in the doping saga, compelling him to accept a 90-day ban.

Australian legend and ex-WTA pro-Rennae Stubbs has been a vocal supporter of Sinner ever since the doping controversy surfaced last season. Not to mention she’s presented a strict stance on WADA itself. Following its statement, on February 15, she called out the anti-doping agency for dragging Sinner into a case in which he was fully innocent. In her brief reaction to Fox’s ban duration, she wrote on X, “I have stated before on the pod that this was likely going to happen. Glad it wasn’t more than 3 months but ooofff what a freakin joke Wada is”

But Stubbs wasn’t done with her brutal take on WADA. In an episode of her podcast, dated February 19, she said, “WADA needed this win. They needed to be able to say, to have some integrity, to have some, you know, semblance of power, still, to say we’re still going to suspend you.” But what’s her main issue with the agency’s ban? Well, it’s the timing!

“We are now suspending here for 2-3 months. It’s so ridiculous. It looks so bad from WADA and you know, people come after me, he’s a doper. Like, read what the ITIA, came out with originally when they of course, did not know it was Jannik Sinner.”

While Sinner will be away from the court for three months, he need not worry too much. He can resume his training as soon as April 13 in order to prepare for a proper return in May. When the ban concludes, he will be able to compete in his home event in Italy, starting from May 7. Not only that, the three-time Slam champion will also have no issues in competing at a Major this season. In late May, he can enter the French Open to continue his quest for capturing another Major trophy in 2025 after winning in Melbourne.