"Disappointing from Rafael Nadal": Fans react as Spaniard supports Jannik Sinner's anti-doping verdict

Rafael Nadal recently expressed support for the verdict that cleared Jannik Sinner of doping accusations. Nadal’s comments later received mixed reactions from netizens.

Sinner tested positive for a trace amount of Clostebol twice during his BNP Paribas Open campaign in March. He was provisionally suspended, but the decision was overturned after he explained that he had accidentally come into contact with the substance during treatment by his physiotherapist.

On August 20, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) determined that the amount of the substance in Sinner's system was negligible and allowed him to continue competing. However, the Italian was stripped of 400 ranking points and the $325,000 million he earned in Indian Wells.

While many in the tennis community criticized the verdict, others, including Andy Roddick, backed Sinner after the proceedings. Recently, Rafael Nadal also backed the ruling, stating that he doesn't believe that the World No. 1 intended to dope.

The Spaniard emphasized that justice should be respected, even when it delivers an outcome some may not agree with. He said this in an interview with EL Homiguero.

“I don't believe in that Sinner wanted or meant to dope. Justice is justice and we don't have to like it only when they decide what we want them to decide. If he hasn't been sanctioned, it's because the judge has clearly seen that he hasn't doped. I don't think they have judged him as innocent simply because he is the World #1.” Nadal said.

However, some fans disagreed with Nadal's stance. One fan argued that the 22-time Major champion should have questioned why Simona Halep, who tested positive for roxadustat, was judged differently and banned for four years.

"Disappointing from Nadal. Not about the intentional vs unintentional doping itself, but should've at least raised questions about how unfairly Sinner's case was handled compared to other players. Even Simona Halep recently came out to say so," they said.

"Long gone the famous « rules are rules for everyone »," a fan wrote.

"Dopal defending another Doper, Im in shock," another commented.

"This is disappointing to hear. I know a lot of people suspect he engaged in doping during his career. I give him benefit of the doubt but it raises red flags when he speaks up defending what is clearly preferential treatment for top players. A case of defending da establishment." one fan added.

Some of the fans also supported Nadal for backing the ruling.

"Thas how a GOAT answers," a fan said.

"class statement from the goat and here's why nadal will always be greater than djokovic," another wrote.

"Well said my GOAT , as usual, honest, kind , truthful and gentleman," a fan chimed in.

"The greatness of Rafael Nadal on display in coming to the support of Jannik Sinner at a time of the latter's need. Kudos to Rafa." one fan added.

Rafael Nadal is currently out of action and 2024 is expected to be the last season of his career.

Jannik Sinner advances to the quarterfinal of the US Open 2024

US Open 2024 - Day 8 - Source: Getty

Jannik Sinner has advanced to the quarterfinals of the New York Major. The Italian faced tough competition from hometown favorite Tommy Paul, with the first two sets decided by tiebreaks. Sinner ultimately won the match in straight sets, 7-6(7), 7-6(7), 6-1, securing his spot in the last eight.

The World No. 1 is set to face fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev with a spot in the semifinals on the line. Before reaching the quarterfinals, Medvedev defeated Dusan Lajovic, Fabian Marozsan, Flavio Cobolli, and Nuno Borges.

The Russian holds a 7-5 head-to-head advantage over the Italian. Their previous meeting was in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon 2024, where Medvedev dashed Sinner's hopes of winning his second Major. However, the World No. 1 had previously won five straight matches against Medvedev.

The winner of this match will face either Jack Draper or Alex de Minaur in the semifinals.