Yevgeny Kafelnikov made a pretty radical suggestion to ATP players as the former two-time Grand Slam champion thinks they should boycott playing against Jannik Sinner.
On Saturday, the tennis community woke up to the news that the WADA settled with the Italian tennis star on a three-month doping ban.
That means that the 23-year-old’s CAS court date scheduled for April 16-17 is canceled as he will be suspended between February 9th – May 4th.
On paper, it looks like Sinner received a pretty favorable deal.
Although he will a couple of upcoming Masters tournaments, he won’t be forced to miss to any Grand Slams this year since the French Open starts 21 days after his suspension expires.
Kafelnikov: Every time I would draw Sinner, I wouldn’t take to the court
“After (the) latest developments, I would do (the) following (assuming I was still playing). Every time I draw Sinner in the tournament, i do not go on court, doesn’t matter if first round or final. But I’m afraid not one will do (the) same,” the former world No. 1 wrote on X.
after latest developments,i would do following (assuming i was still playing). Every time i draw Sinner in the tournament,i do not go on court,doesn’t matter if first round or final. But I’m afraid not one will do same😉
— Kafelnikov Yevgeny (@KYevgeni) February 15, 2025
Responding to that advice, one person asked: “Yeah right you would do that. You think players would sacrifice their prize money and opportunity to win. If you want to have a good argument at least do it with a smart logical way.”
But Kafelnikov stood firm by his statement.
“They already sacrifice prize money when (they) step on the court against (a) player who had “2 jockers in his pocket” for at least (the) whole 2024 season! Why continue?” the 2000 Sydney Olympics gold medalist said.
they already sacrifice prize money when step on the court against player who had “2 jockers in his pocket” for at least whole 2024 season! Why continue ? https://t.co/9GAM1RRnOn
— Kafelnikov Yevgeny (@KYevgeni) February 16, 2025
Tennis World USA