Andy Roddick cites 'precedent' as reason why Jannik Sinner escaped ban despite drugs controversy, reiterates his support for World No. 1

Andy Roddick cited precedence as one of the reasons behind Jannik Sinner escaping a ban after testing positive for a banned substance. The American has lent his support to the World No. 1 during the failed drug tests controversy.

Roddick brought forth the case of Marco Bortolotti, a lower-ranked Italian player, who faced a similar controversy a few months prior to Sinner's saga. Bortolotti tested positive for the same banned substance, clostebol, on October 4 during an ATP Challenger event in Lisbon, Portugal. The case was made public on March 21, 2024, when the ITIA announced that the 'player bore no fault or negligence'.

Talking about Sinner's case, the former World No. 1 said that he would have 'understood' if the reigning Australian Open champion had been suspended, but it would go against the precedent set during Bortolotti's recent case. Roddick wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

"I'd have totally gotten it and understood if Sinner had been suspended. It would’ve just flown in the face of the latest judgement they’d made for a much lower ranked/profile player for the same result from the same substance ….. recent precedent would’ve been thrown aside."

Reiterating his point, the American explained to a fan that Sinner's fate was decided by a similar ruling in a case concerning a much lower-ranked player. He added that it would be harsh on the World No. 1 if he was given a stringent punishment for a similar mistake.

"You’re actually wrong. I feel that Sinners fate was decided by a ruling on a little known challenger tour player for the same substance a couple of months before. Tough to be tougher on Sinner for same offense/story," he explained.

Marco Bortolotti recently came out in support of Sinner while drawing similarities between his and the World No. 1's case.

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Andy Roddick's support for Jannik Sinner during the failed doping tests ordeal

Andy Roddick has been a vocal supporter of Jannik Sinner during the doping controversy (Image: Getty)

Andy Roddick has been one of the few people from the tennis fraternity who have offered support to Jannik Sinner during the doping saga.

He recently criticized people's double standards, stating that they would hope for grace and patience if they had encountered a problem but were quick to call out others.

Roddick wrote X:

"When people expect grace/patience for their screwups in life, but quickly rush to publicly type judgement in a forceful way when there’s not a mirror they have to look back at ……. The rules are rules crowd often takes plays off when it’s their issue. Precedent is often the issue at hand when deciding fairness. If you don’t follow most recent precedents set for a specific circumstance, then it’s unfair."

"Consistency matters. Think what you think for sure, but hold yourself to the same sets of judgements you place on others. Few seem to do that."

Andy Roddick has also previously sided with Jannik Sinner while some active players like Nick Kyrgios and Denis Shapovalov have staunchly opposed the Italian's 'preferential' treatment.