"Dude about to be banned for doping is fans' favorite?" - Fans react as Jannik Sinner beats Carlos Alcaraz & others to prestigious ATP Player award

Jannik Sinner winning the annual ATP Awards' Fan Favorite Singles Players in 2024 despite a doping controversy has sparked discussions among tennis fans. The Italian had also clinched the award last year.

Despite a staggering 2024, Sinner's accolades were marred by his doping controversy which came to light in August when it was revealed that he had tested positive for Clostebol, a banned substance, at Indian Wells this year. However, after much investigation, the International Tennis Integrity Agency gave the verdict that he bore 'No Significant Fault or Negligence'.

In a surprising turn of events, the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed the ITIA's verdict and demanded a one or two-year ban on the Italian.

Amid this, Jannik Sinner has successfully defended his ATP's Fan Favorite Singles Player of the Year title, beating the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and other stars.

Fans were left fuming with the Italian's win and lashed out on X. One fan said how the results were an 'absolute joke'.

"You’re telling me the dude who’s about to be banned for doping is the fans’ favorite!? You lot are unreal! Not even hiding it anymore - this award is an absolute joke!" the fan opined.

Another fan joked how Rafael Nadal's fans, the winner of the prestigious award in 2022, didn't vote enough for Carlos Alcaraz.

"Rafans still don't care about Carlost I see," the fan joked.

Here are some other reactions from tennis fans:

"Nice. Does tennis happen only in Italy ??" a fan sarcastically questioned.

"Of course he did CAS hearing on the horizon so all positive PR spin needed," a fan mentioned.

On the other hand, Jannik Sinner's fans celebrated their Fan Favorite's win.

"not surprised at all! jannik is a person who emanates strength and positivity, and is extremely likeable without even trying," a fan remarked.

"The real world has spoken," a fan wrote.

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"Means so much to me" - Jannik Sinner thanks his fans for their 'amazing' support

Jannik Sinner - Source: Getty

In a video message shared by ATP on their social media page, Jannik Sinner could be seen thanking his fans for their unbridled support and calling them the reason he played tennis.

“I just want to thank all the fans around the world for voting me,” said Sinner, coming off the most successful season of his six-year pro career. “It means so much to me because the votes are coming from all of you. You are the reason why I love to play tennis. The support has been amazing throughout this whole season,” he said.

Sinner had also won the Most Improved Player of the Year in 2023 and the Newcomer of the Year in 2019 at the ATP Awards. He brought his phenomenal year to an end by putting up significant performances at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals to help Italy successfully defend their title.