"There is no discrimination" - Casper Ruud on his concerns about foul play in Jannik Sinner's doping row being dispelled after reviewing the case

Casper Ruud admitted he initially suspected foul play in how Jannik Sinner's doping controversy was handled. However, after reviewing the case and reading the documents, he concluded there was no discrimination.

A month ago, developments about Sinner's failed drug tests from March were made public. He tested positive twice for a performance-enhancing drug called Clostebol. His initial suspensions were lifted after his immediate appeals were accepted.

After concluding their investigations, the ITIA and an independent tribunal cleared the Italian of any wrongdoing. In an interview with TV2 Norway, Ruud admitted he was initially suspicious of the situation.

"I noticed at the start, before I got into the case and the sequence of events, that I also thought there were a few owls in the bog. He is number one in the world, there had to be discrimination. But then I familiarized myself with the case and the rules," Ruud said (translated from Norwegian).

"If you have read the documents and understand the process in this type of case, then you understand that there is no discrimination here," he added.

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Casper Ruud believes Jannik Sinner's 'reasonable explanation' helped his case

Jannik Sinner with 2024 US Open trophy. (Image: Getty)

Jannik Sinner was inadvertently contaminated with Clostebol when his trainer, Giacomo Naldi, used an over-the-counter product containing the substance to treat his own cut. Naldi later treated Sinner, unintentionally passing the substance to him.

Knowing the causes of the positive tests and managing the find the reason quickly is what helped the World No. 1, according to Casper Ruud.

"What Sinner has done well, in order to defend himself, is that he managed to find an explanation within 15 days after testing positive. He understood quite quickly where it came from," Casper Ruud said in an interview with TV2 Norway.

Later, Sinner parted ways with his trainers Naldi and Umberto Ferrara, reportedly due to the blunder. Recent reports suggest Sinner is set to acquire the services of Novak Djokovic's ex-trainer Marco Panichi.

Additionally, Ruud compared the situation to other athletes who have tested positive, noting that few of them provided explanations as quickly.

"There are not many athletes who manage to come up with an explanation within 15 days, but Jannik has managed it. It speaks in his favor that he quickly found out where the substance came from and that he has a reasonable explanation."

Jannik Sinner's doping row was made public soon after he won the title in Cincinnati and days before he began his US Open campaign. The 23-year-old faced a mixed reaction from the tennis world but did not let it get to him. The World No. 1 continued his fine form to win his second Grand Slam title of the year in New York.

Sinner is next scheduled to compete at the China Open in Beijing, where he is the defending champion.