"Zero understanding of the rules" - Ex-ATP Anti Doping Program head slams tennis commentator for "ignorant" remarks on Jannik Sinner doping case

Former ATP Anti-Doping Program head Richard Ings criticized tennis commentator Christopher Johnson for his remarks regarding the Jannik Sinner doping case. Ings said that Johnson's comments displayed a complete lack of understanding of the rules.

Following his title win at the 2024 Cincinnati Open, it was revealed that Sinner had tested positive for the banned substance Clostebol twice in March, during the 2024 Indian Wells Masters. Sinner claimed that his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, had unknowingly applied trace amounts of clostebol to his body during a massage.

Following a thorough investigation by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), an independent tribunal determined that Sinner bore 'No Fault or Negligence' for the Anti-Doping Rule Violations.

Despite this ruling, many fans, players and critics are dissatisfied. Among them is Christopher Johnson, who questioned why the World No. 1 was not suspended after testing positive for the banned substance and why the news of his failed drug tests only surfaced five months later. He also raised concerns about Sinner losing $320,000 in prize money from the 2024 Indian Wells Masters if he was indeed innocent.

Reacting to Johnson's comments, Richard Ings stated that some tennis commentators had a lack of "understanding" which led to "ignorant" statements.

"It is beyond frustrating how so many tennis commentators have zero understanding of the rules and even less interest in educating themselves before spouting off ignorance like this," Ings posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Ings said that Sinner's case followed all the rules and did not involve any cover-ups. He talked about how Sinner received a swift resolution due to his competent legal representation, which successfully identified the source of Clostebol and cleared him of any wrongdoing.

"The many people claiming the Sinner case involved coverups and rule breaking by the ATP, ITF, ITIA etc, sorry but the election wasn’t stolen. The rules appear to have been followed. The one difference is that Sinner immediately could prove the source with capable counsel," Ings added.

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"Jannik Sinner would never ever intentionally do anything, he's just in a situation which is incredibly unfortunate" - Italian's coach Darren Cahill

Jannik Sinner [Image Source: Getty Images]

During a recent interview with ESPN, Jannik Sinner's coach Darren Cahill gave his thoughts on the former's doping case. He said it had been challenging to witness Sinner endure both physical and mental struggles during the doping controversy.

"It was really difficult for me and to watch him [Jannik Sinner] certainly suffer both mentally and physically. If you are a Jannik fan you would have seen a big change in his body language. He struggled and I think it's worn him down physically and mentally," Cahill said.

Cahill added that Sinner got into a situation that was "unfortunate." He said he felt bad for the World No. 1 as he had to go through the doping saga, a situation Cahill believes Sinner did not deserve.

"He would never ever intentionally do anything. He's just in a situation which is incredibly unfortunate and the truth came out (to be) exactly what happened - (there) is no fault, no negligence and hopefully he can get this behind him now and continue to play and get better. Feel really bad for him that he has to go through this as well because he doesn't deserve this," he added. (6:34)

Looking ahead, Jannik Sinner will next compete at the 2024 US Open as the top seed. Last year, he made it to the fourth round before being defeated by Alexander Zverev.