Jannik Sinner’s doping controversy is refusing to soften down. Ever since news broke out about his positive tests, there has been much noise in the tennis circuit. While the ITIA initially let go of Sinner after he provided a satisfactory explanation of how he came in contact with the banned substance, WADA reopened the case and sent it to the CAS, asking for a ban of a year or two for Sinner. This sent shockwaves in the tennis community and many fellow players backed Sinner, including Novak Djokovic. Earlier today, his comments were seconded by the chief executive of the PTPA, Ahmad Nassar.

Earlier this week, Nassar was involved in an interview where he supported Djokovic’s views about a biased system in the sport. Nassar said, “The system is so biased against the players, as well as sub-optimal for fans and media and other commercial partners … I’m asking for a 10-year plan, because tennis needs a revamp and nobody seems to have an answer for where we are going next.”

Earlier Djokovic questioned why WADA had reopened Sinner’s case after the ITIA hadn’t penalized the Italian star with a ban. The World Anti-Doping Agency found that the ITIA’s finding “was not correct under the applicable rules”. As a result, it appealed to the CAS and if the appeal is successful, Sinner will potentially face a ban of 1-2 years.

Djokovic was shocked at the turn of events around Sinner’s doping fiasco and said, “I think it’s quite obvious that we have a system that is not working well. I guess that’s probably something that even the people who are not following our sport are realizing.” However, Djokovic isn’t the only one supporting Sinner in this regard. Even his closest rival, Carlos Alcaraz backed him after WADA reopened the case.

Carlos Alcaraz’s emotional message for Jannik Sinner amid doping saga

The two share an intriguing rivalry and played a thrilling final at the China Open earlier this week, which Alcaraz won in the final-set tiebreaker. Despite their nerve-wracking encounters, the duo shares a mutual respect on and off the court. Thus, when WADA’s statement was released, Alcaraz was among the first ones to support Sinner.

The Spanish sensation said, “I know that it is a very difficult point. It is difficult for him. I know everyone is talking about it, the news is talking about it…I feel for him. The game and the level that he’s playing with everything he’s been through right now, it’s insane. He is able to put all things aside when he steps on the court, playing good tennis, [it] is unbelievable.”

While Sinner was also “very disappointed and also surprised”, he’ll have to wait nervously till the CAS takes up his case. There is a stockpile of cases pending with the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the hearing date of Sinner’s case is yet to be known.