"They don't put any effort and go 'That's a strike'" - Daria Kasatkina shares her doping 'mishap' to put Jannik Sinner's situation into perspective

Daria Kasatkina shared her doping mishap during the 2024 Indian Wells Open to put Jannik Sinner's doping controversy into perspective. She also shed light on the strict rules concerning drug tests.

Kakatkina defended Jannik Sinner during his failed doping test ordeal, saying she believed he was innocent. In an interview with TNNS, she claimed that the World No. 1 has the best lawyers at his disposal to help him navigate the challenging time.

"That part, you asked if I believed he was innocent and I do. Double standards, Jannik is able to hire the best lawyers. People who will have it all figured out. That's undoubtedly his advantage. I have an Italian coach and he knows other incidents, that we are not aware of," she said.

The 27-year-old also explained how strict drug testing rules are. Recalling an incident from the 2024 Indian Wells Open, Kasatkina revealed that she missed a drug test because she left for practice early and was not in her hotel room during her 6-7 am slot. The Russian also claimed that she received no phone call but was instantly served with a strike through an email.

"I had a mishap last year in Indian Wells. I always set the slot for 6-7 am. But we had an early practice on one day because we just did, doesn't matter why. It was early. It just was. Yes at 8 am. And of course, I must leave the hotel in advance. And it was during the tournament. So I left hotel and I get the notice by email saying 'you've missed this and that....'. they didn't call me on my phone, they stopped by my hotel, called my room, saw I wasn't there and left," Kasatkina added.

Kasatkina bemoaned about the officers not making an effort to try to connect with her, saying:

"Guys come on, I am at a tournament, can't you contact anyone from the management? Ask where Daria is. I am not just lounging somewhere, I am at the tournament already. They don't put any effort in and go 'That's it, that's a strike'."

"You are constantly worried" - Daria Kasatkina on doping-related procedures

Daria Kasatkina at the 2023 French Open (Image: Getty)

In the same interview, Daria Kasatkina shared that she tried to appeal the decision regarding her missed drug test during the 2024 Indian Wells Open but got no respite. The 27-year-old said that doping-related procedures add to the mental stress of the tennis players, who already have many things on their plate.

"I tried to, but they said everything was according to rules. Well as you say but that's strike one. When there are two then you start getting nervous. And you have so much on you plate apart from that, and so many thoughts, tasks you have to do and also playing tennis since it's your job, so... Doping-related procedures make it tough and you are constantly worried," she said.

Daria Kasatkina will next be seen at the 2024 Korea Open, where she will take on Hailey Baptiste in the Round of 16.