Jack Draper says Jannik Sinner doesn’t deserve backlash over doping controversy

Jack Draper has expressed his support for world number one Jannik Sinner amid the doping controversy that led to the Italian receiving a three-month suspension, asserting that Sinner does not merit the criticism directed at him.

Sinner agreed to the suspension in February as part of an arrangement with the World Anti-Doping Agency, which contested a tribunal's ruling that had exonerated him following two positive drug tests. The 23-year-old, a three-time Grand Slam champion, has not competed since his victory at the Australian Open in January.

"When people ask about him, or anyone, I'll tell the truth. I think ­Jannik is a really, really genuine, nice person," Draper told the Guardian and BBC in a joint interview published on Tuesday.

"In this situation I'm sure that he would have ­absolutely zero idea of anything. That's just the way life goes - sometimes there's mistakes.

"In terms of actually how I feel about him as a person, I think it's important for people to know and recognise that the guy's very, very kind-hearted and a good human being. So he doesn't deserve any of the hate that he gets."

World number six Draper, also 23, practiced with Sinner at the Tennis Club de Beaulieu in France. Sinner was cleared to return to training from April 13.

"If you can train with anyone, it's got to be probably the best in the world, right? He's obviously had a bit of time off, but he's playing at an incredible level still," Draper said.

"I'm looking forward to having him back on the tour, because I think his presence has been missed. It was great to be with him for a few days and get some good sparring."

SportsLigue