Dutch captain Paul Haarhuis spoke extremely highly of Jannik Sinner following the conclusion of the Davis Cup final but also noted that he feels the public will never get to know what exactly happened in the Italian’s doping case.
After twice testing positive for a banned steroid in March, the world No. 1 quickly determined that it happened through the over-the-counter spray used by his now-former physio Giacomo Naldi. The explanation was accepted and the 23-year-old escaped getting any kind of ban after the investigation determined that he “bore no fault or negligence” for what happened.
However, Sinner could still get suspended after the WADA appealed the ITIA’s ruling.
Jannik Sinner© FITP Tennis/Instagram – Fair Use
“About doping, we never know what happened. What’s my feeling? Jannik is an unbelievable nice guy, a great player, but we never know what happened,” Haarhuis said when asked about the two-time Grand Slam champion’s doping case.
Dutch Captain Paul Haarhuis on the Jannik Sinner Doping Case after the @DavisCup Final
“About doping, we never know what happened,” said Haarhuis.
“What’s my feeling? Jannik is an unbelievable nice guy, a great player, but we never know what happened.”https://t.co/7fJrS2KCD7 pic.twitter.com/PygEuEdIZr
— TennisONE App (@TennisONEApp) November 25, 2024
Sinner admits he thinks about it
Just when it started to look like the saga was finished, the WADA decided to lodge an appeal so the world No. 1 has to once again fight to clear his name.
The circumstances may be far from perfect but it hasn’t negatively impacted the Italian’s tennis, who has since won the Shanghai Masters, the ATP Finals, the Davis Cup Finals with Italy, as well as the Six Kngs Slam exhibition. However, winning a lot doesn’t mean that the Sinner doesn’t think about his case and the verdict that should come in early 2025.
“Of course it’s in the head a little bit. The most important part is all the people who are around me, who know me as a human being trust me — that’s also why I kept playing the level I have. Those who know me, I was emotionally a bit down, a bit heartbroken. Sometimes life gives you difficulties and you just have to (deal with) it,” the reigning US Open champion said.