Alexander Zverev was left blindsided a bit after being asked about Jannik Sinner’s doping case but quickly collected himself and noted that the ITIA’s investigation cleared the Italian so he wasn’t interested in throwing out speculations about whether or not the world No. 1 would get suspended by the CAS.
On Sunday, the 23-year-old successfully defended his Australian Open title and won his third Grand Slam by overcoming the German tennis star 6-3 7-6 (4) 6-3.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Sinner’s CAS hearing will take place between April 16-17.
If the Italian gets banned for just six months, that would automatically end his 2025 season and he wouldn’t be able to participate in any other Grand Slam this year.
“I didn’t expect that question, I don’t know anything about the situation that he’s in. Um, I know he’s been cleared once, um, I know someone over the tennis Integrity unit right is taking a look at it now,” Zverev said when asked about the 23-year-old’s upcoming CAS hearing.
“He’s a great guy. I have absolutely nothing against him and I don’t know what will happen…I didn’t expect this question so I don’t really know how to answer it, to be really honest.”
Alexander Zverev© Australian Open/YouTube
Sinner had a very direct message to reporters when asked about his doping situation
Since the news of his doping case came to light, the Italian has been the most successful player and has won two Majors over the last five months.
And according to the world No. 1, that has only been possible because he is 100 percent sure that he is innocent.
“I keep playing like this because I have a clear mind on what happened,” Sinner said.
“If I know if I would be guilty, I would not play like this, and that’s it.
“I just came off an amazing run again here. I want to enjoy this moment.”
Tennis World USA