Jannik Sinner was certainly pleased to hear Carlos Alcaraz applauding him for the way he has been able to play over the last couple of months in these circumstances but also admitted that he has had some "sleepless nights" since the WADA informed him about their decision in his doping case.
ADVERTISEMENT
During this past weekend, the WADA confirmed that they would lodge an appeal to the CAS in the ruling that the ITIA made in the Italian's doping case. Specifically, the world's biggest anti-doping agency said they didn't think it was correct to rule that the 23-year-old bore no fault or negligence in his situation and they said they would seek a ban between one to two years.
Since the top players are in Beijing, the reporters used it to ask Alcaraz to share his thoughts on the matter. Addressing it, the four-time Grand Slam champion described it as "a sensitive thing" for both Sinner but also tennis. After making that clear, the 21-year-old also went on to acknowledge how impressive it was that the Italian managed to win a Grand Slam and also reach the world No. 1 position since he learned about a failed doping test in March.
ADVERTISEMENT
Following a 6-2 7-6 (6) Beijing quarterfinal win versus Jiri Lehecka, the reigning US Open champion was asked about "Alcaraz's nice words."
"First of all, it's not a situation where I like to be in, no? It's a very delicate and difficult and also different situation. But what I know is that I always try to remind myself that I haven't done anything wrong, which already just gives you a little bit of heads up. For sure I had sleepless nights during this time. Now again it's going to be not easy," Sinner said.
"It's reminding you that this could happen potentially. Obviously disappointed that I am again in this situation. I just try to stay somehow focused on my work and trying to do everything possible I can to be ready for each match I play. But yeah, this is a very difficult moment for me and also for my team. So it's not only me who is (indiscernible), but it's also the team. I also keep the people close who I feel very good with, people who know me as a person. They know me, so yeah... But it's not easy, that's for sure."
ADVERTISEMENT
What Alcaraz exactly said about Sinner?
After the world No. 1 won the Cincinnati Masters, the ITIA's announcement came out revealing that there was a doping investigation into the Italian and that he was cleared. Since then, he has also made it all the way at the US Open and also made a strong start in Beijing, pushing his winning streak to 15 matches.
For the past 40 days, Sinner has been defended by some but also harshly criticized. However, he has still managed to win all of his matches played over the last month and a half.
"Well, it's difficult. I know that is a really difficult point. Is difficult for him. I know everyone talking about it, the news, talking about it. Probably, as he said before New York, the people started to look at him in different way. I don't know how it can be. But for sure I understand the position. I feel him," Alcaraz said.
ADVERTISEMENT
"But anyway, the game and the level that he's playing with everything he's been through right now, it's insane. He's able to put all the things aside when he step on the court, playing a good tennis, is unbelievable. I hope that this thing, this term will be aside soon and he's able to stay focused on what he loves, and that is playing tennis, trying to keep going. All I can say, I hope that with his people around, his close people and him, not going to feel bad these next months."
Why Sinner was surprised?
After the news of his positive doping test came to light on August 20th, the 23-year-old spoke a couple of times with WADA officials while the agency was trying to determine whether or not to appeal the ITIA's verdict. And according to this year's Australian Open champion, he felt that all of his hearing went extremely well and that it would not come down to this.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Obviously I'm very disappointed and also surprised of this appeal, to be honest, because we had three hearings. All three hearings came out very positively for me. You know, I was not expecting it. I knew it couple of days ago, that they were going to appeal, that today it's going to go official, so... I'm just surprised that they appealed," Sinner said.
Meanwhile, the Italian is set to battle against Alcaraz in the Beijing final.
