Feliciano Lopez is ripping the tennis community’s treatment of Jannik Sinner as “beyond disappointing” as the former world No. 12 has a hard time understanding how some could feel so apathetic toward someone who was proved “innocent.”
When the ITIA’s report came out in August, it was revealed that the 23-year-old twice tested positive for clostebol in March but that he was at no fault for the doping – but his physio.
Then, the WADA contested the ITIA’s ruling not to give the Italian any suspension.
In the end, it all resolved in a settlement between the two parties and a three-month doping ban.
While one group of people is happy to see Sinner suspended, that same group is also frustrated with the fact that the ban will expire on May 4th just before the Rome Masters and the French Open.
That led to further talks about the three-time Grand Slam champion getting preferential treatment.
Lopez: The treatment of Sinner is beyond disappointing
On X, Daniel Vallverdu – Grigor Dimitrov’s coach who also worked with Andy Murray in the past – came to the Italian’s defense and suggested that people should be frustrated with the anti-doping agencies.
We should be focusing on the Anti-Doping agencies processes & rules rather than the player being a victim from it – who clearly had zero performance enhancing benefits. ZERO.
I know JS since he’s 14yrs old and im comfortable to say that he is 100% not at fault.— Daniel Vallverdu (@danielvallverdu) February 23, 2025
The Anti-Doping agencies are at fault for the lack of consistency and accuracy with most tennis cases lately.
There should have never been a ban here.
Not an easy time for JS and Team. Stay strong and Rome will be the perfect setting for the warm welcome he deserves. 🦊🎾💪🏻— Daniel Vallverdu (@danielvallverdu) February 23, 2025
Reacting to it, Lopez fully agreed.
“I couldn’t agree more, the lack of empathy given the circumstances to someone who proved himself innocent is beyond DISAPPOINTING,” the former Spanish tennis star wrote on X.
“People comparing different cases-processes to justify their arguments when there is no one case same as another
“On the other hand it doesn’t surprise me at all .. just don’t expect anything from others!”
On the other hand it doesn’t surprise me at all .. just don’t expect anything from others!
— Feliciano López (@feliciano_lopez) February 24, 2025
Tennis World USA