‘Won’t Let Me Live’- Ex-Pro Rallies Behind Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek, and Simona Halep Amidst Their Doping Saga

This year, the fraternity witnessed the ups and downs of two leading players, highlighting how even small, ignorant mistakes can jeopardize the hard-earned reputations of top athletes. Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner found themselves at the center of similar controversies like Simona Halep, navigating turbulent times that cast a shadow over their careers. Although these players faced these ordeals bravely, the impact remained, pulling them into the spotlight for unnecessary reasons. A former pro has stepped forward to explain why such exceptional players deserve a second chance.

French former pro expressed his sympathies with players who were innocent but allegedly failed their doping tests for a reason. For example, Jannik Sinner tested positive for Clostebol which entered his body from his former physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi. Clostebol, the banned substance, is easily available over the counter. This medicine was in the spray that Naldi used for relief from his injury. However, when he massaged Sinner, it accidentally entered the ATP number one’s body and made him fail the doping trial twice. Although Sinner received a suspension, his case was sent to CAS for another trial and now his supporters are waiting for the Verdict.

Like Sinner, former WTA number one Iga Swiatek tested positive for Trimetazidine which entered her system from contaminated melatonin. Swiatek failed the doping test in August and received almost a month of suspension. After the news came to light, Swiatek clarified the situation to her social media followers. After her video, the manufacturer of contaminated Melatonin issued an apology to Swiatek vowing to help her clear her name and confirmed how the amount of the banned substance was much below the permissible amount. However, the Polish star has already lost her chance to attend the Asian Swing and her top rank because of this ordeal.

Now, reflecting on such situations, French former player Guy Forget dropped his opinion on the Tennis Act. “It’s an absolute tragedy for the innocent… I’m not talking about the guilty and repeat offenders. I put myself in the shoes of an athlete who tested positive for substances in infinitesimal quantities. Without wanting to cheat, we can say to ourselves: they won’t let me live my passion. I see the situation in the case of Halep, Świątek, Sinner a bit similarly.”

His words highlighted Simona Halep’s case too, revealing how strict rules often impact those who don’t have a conscious involvement in the case. Now Halep tested positive for Roxadustat during the 2022 US Open. She fought for her innocence and CAS reduced her suspension, accepting that the substance entered her body from a contaminated supplement.

Although these tennis stars didn’t receive suspension as long as Halep, the ordeals impacted them mentally. However, like Forget, Andy Roddick also extended his support for the players explaining why he is not ready to term these players as offenders.

Andy Roddick backed up Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek after their doping ordeal

When Sinner’s failure in the doping trial came under the spotlight, former American pro Andy Roddick sided with the Italian showing his solidarity. He said, “I have never received a massage with gloves in my entire life. This is not normal, it is psychotic stuff. I imagine he tried to dope. Well, it would be the worst attempt ever. He did not get any benefit, the amount is equal to less than a grain of salt.”

Roddick’s statement explained why the fraternity should believe Sinner’s side of the story. He followed a similar logic about Swiatek’s case and said, “It’s unfortunate I think it’s just really proving that we need consistency with messaging. We need clear outlines of rules! You go on the ITIA site and they say 40 or 30%, I forgot the number but somewhere around there of positives are from contaminated supplements that you and I probably take. But we’re not getting tested on a billionth of a gram of something.” Roddick also denied calling Swiatek’s case doping at all.

Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner’s cases are truly unfortunate, given their clarifications. These two and Halep already faced their suspension. Now, the fraternity needs to offer them support so that they can return to their old form with full spirit. Do you think they will get that chance from the people?