Tennis is a sport where one moment of brilliance can define a career, but just as easily, one small accusation can cast a shadow over it. Italian tennis sensation Jannik Sinner is finding this out the hard way, as he now finds himself embroiled in a doping controversy. The whispers and accusations have been loud, and many within the tennis community have been quick to cast judgment. But amidst the growing backlash, one voice stands apart: that of Frances Tiafoe.

While the world seems eager to pile on the pressure against the World No. 1, Tiafoe has chosen a different path. The American star engaged in a pre-tournament presser ahead of the US Open. When quizzed about his stance on the entire controversy that Sinner finds himself in, Tiafoe demonstrated some sort of indifference and refused to add to the controversy.

Tactfully responding to a journalist’s question, Tiafoe said, “He’s an incredible player, and, you know, government bodies made a decision, they went and did that. He’s cleared to play. You know, that’s pretty much what I have to say about it.” The Cincy runner-up also wished Sinner luck in the tournament.

For the unversed, Sinner tested positive for low levels of a metabolite of clostebol during the Indian Wells. It is a banned anabolic steroid that can be used in ophthalmological and dermatological treatment and is the same drug for which Fernando Tatis Jr. was suspended by MLB. But in Sinner’s case, ITIA took a different stance. In its ruling, the ITIA concluded that the presence of the substance in Sinner’s body was a result of over-the-counter spray, that his physio used to cure a small wound on his fingers. The physio, Giacomo Naldi, then passed along the chemical to Sinner via “daily massages and sports therapy,” since he worked without gloves. 

Continuing further in the interview, Tiafoe revealed that he has not been following the case much, and is not well aware of what others said about the matter. “I mean, I’ve been super busy this week myself just taking care of all of the stuff I’ve got to do.” Remember, Tiafoe is fresh off a thrilling campaign at the Cincinnati Masters, where he reached the summit clash before losing to Sinner.

Tiafoe’s statements, meanwhile, can be seen as an indirect relief for Sinner, who has witnessed immense flak over the entire controversy, with accusations of preferential treatment by the ITIA. However, while Tiafoe is trying to avoid adding fuel to the fire, some players have been critical of Sinner.

When Nick Kyrgios slammed the ITIA’s decision to let go of Jannik Sinner

Jannik found himself in hot waters recently. Even though the ITIA dropped the doping charges against him, the Italian is continuously facing backlash from the tennis community. Nick Kyrgios expressed similar anger towards Sinner and demanded stringent actions against him. 

Taking to his X handle, Kyrgios wrote, “Ridiculous – whether it was accidental or planned.” Continuing further, the Aussie slammed the World No. 1 and indirectly questioned the ruling over the matter. “You get tested twice with a banned (steroid) substance… you should be gone for 2 years. Your performance was enhanced. Massage cream…. Yeah nice.”

Another star who took a similar dig was the American sensation, Tommy Paul, as he put out a story on his Instagram where he could be seen getting a massage from his physio. The physio was seen wearing a pair of gloves as he massaged the American sensation.

Several tennis enthusiasts have attributed this to be a subtle dig at the whole scenario concerning Sinner, since the entire controversy began because Sinner’s physio did not use gloves while massaging him, thereby transferring the chemical unconsciously. 

As the US Open draws closer, it would be interesting to see if the backlash against Sinner continues. Or Does he get more favorable voices like that of Tiafoe? What do you think?