"I know it's really difficult for Jannik Sinner" - Carlos Alcaraz sends supportive message to Italian as doping saga continues with WADA appeal

Carlos Alcaraz recently expressed his support for Jannik Sinner as the doping controversy surrounding him continues to unfold. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed for a ban of one to two years for Sinner, despite him being cleared of any wrongdoing by the ITIA after testing positive for two prohibited substances.

Sinner was found to have trace amounts of the banned substance clostebol, an anabolic steroid, during the 2024 Indian Wells Masters. Following an investigation by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), an independent tribunal concluded that the World No. 1 was not at fault for the Anti-Doping Rule Violations.

Despite the ruling in Sinner's favor, WADA appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on September 26, seeking a ban of one to two years.

Carlos Alcaraz, who is currently in Beijing for the 2024 China Open, during a press conference was asked to share his thoughts on WADA appealling Jannik Sinner's case. He expressed empathy for Sinner and said that he understands how difficult this period must be for him.

"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.

Alcaraz also stated that he hopes Sinner can overcome this setback and return to the game with renewed focus.

"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. I hope that with his people around, his close people and him, not going to feel bad these next months," he added.

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Amidst the WADA appeal, Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz have reached the QF at China Open 2024

Jannik Sinner at the 2024 China Open [Source: Getty]

Jannik Sinner is in Beijing, defending his title at the 2024 China Open. He is the top seed in the tournament and began his campaign by defeating Nicolas Jarry 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in the first round and then overcame Roman Safiullin 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the second round.

Sinner is scheduled to face Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 hard court tournament. The winner of this match will advance to compete against wild card Bu Yunchaokete, Andrey Rublev, or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the semifinals.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz has also secured his spot in the quarterfinals of the China Open. He defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4, 6-4 and Tallon Griekspoor 6-1, 6-2 in the first and second rounds, respectively. He will face Karen Khachanov in the last eight and the winner of this match will go on to face either Daniil Medvedev or Flavio Cobolli in the semifinals.