“Not Been Positive”- Innocence Meets Accountability Rafael Nadal Breaks Silence on Jannik Sinner Doping Saga

“I know Sinner, I don’t believe that Sinner has ever wanted to dope,” were the heartfelt words of Rafael Nadal during an interview with El Hormiguero last September. Even as public opinion swayed against the Italian star during the controversy, the Spanish legend stood firm in support, emphasizing his trust in Sinner’s character despite the controversy since last April. Nadal, a vocal admirer of the rising generation of players, particularly Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, has consistently praised their potential and integrity, stating new generation of great tennis players. While Nadal firmly upholds tennis’s strict anti-doping protocols, his recent comments once again showed his unwavering belief in Sinner’s innocence and sportsmanship.

In February, the top seed Jannik Sinner began serving a three-month suspension, following an agreement with the ‘World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)’ after two failed drug tests in the previous season. Initially cleared by an independent tribunal in August, WADA, which disputed the claim, later challenged the ruling that Sinner bore “no fault or negligence.” Although authorities acknowledged that the clostebol traces in his system likely resulted from accidental skin transfer during a massage from his trainer, the incident sparked widespread debate across the tennis world.

Top players, including the Serbian ace Novak Djokovic, voiced concern over the transparency and consistency of the disciplinary process. Serena Williams recently even remarked that she would have received a much harsher punishment under similar circumstances. Yet, in the midst of the storm, Rafael Nadal publicly defended Sinner, expressing belief in his good faith and sportsmanship, reaffirming his respect for anti-doping rules while also standing by the young Italian’s character.

PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 06: Rafael Nadal of Spain knocks racquets at the net with Jannik Sinner of Italy following victory in their Men’s Singles quarterfinals match on day ten of the 2020 French Open at Roland Garros on October 06, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

In a recent interview, Rafa added, “In the end, if I’m not mistaken, he came out of the ruling as innocent. In this case it’s not been positive for our sport, tennis. But these things happen sometimes, accidents happen, and that’s how I see this because I believe in Jannik. I’m convinced from what I know of Jannik that he never tried to cheat or get an advantage over the rest. I am sure that Jannik is an innocent and moral person,”

However, on the contrary, he also supported the protocols that are bound to maintain in professional tennis. “From the other side of things, I don’t want to put in doubt the ruling. There are protocols that we’ve all followed for our careers. In this case, the authorities have all of the information – all of it, not what we have, which can be limited and many times subjective. I believe in the ruling. Jannik has accepted these three months of sanction and so: case closed. After, if we don’t like how the protocols function, then evidently the people involved need to work to improve them. But for me I don’t like to speak badly about our sport. At the end, those protocols are the protocols that we all accepted and signed onto,”

Sinner’s suspension is nearing its end, as the ban, originally contested by WADA for a length of 12 to 24 months, was ultimately reduced through negotiations with his legal team. The final agreement saw the Italian suspended from February 9 to May 4. The top seed is now set for his much-anticipated return at the Italian Open, ready to reclaim momentum on home soil following his triumphant run at the Australian Open in January, where he captured his third Grand Slam title.

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal, who officially stepped away from tennis last year as recently awarded 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards. To the surprise of many, he divulged an honest perspective unlikely to be found within the context of professional tennis lovers.

“I don’t miss tennis,” Rafael Nadal shares his honest opinion about tennis

Rafael Nadal officially brought his legendary tennis career to a close at the Davis Cup in Malaga last November, marking the end of an illustrious era. The 22-time GS champion has since remained distant from the tennis circuit, and his absence is now deeply felt, especially during the clay season he once dominated. 

Despite stepping away from the court, Nadal continues to receive accolades for his extraordinary contributions to sport. On Monday, he was honored with the prestigious “Sporting Icon” award at the Laureus Sports Awards in Madrid, adding a fifth Laureus trophy to his collection. During a press Q&A at the event, Nadal surprised many by opening up about a lingering desire connected to the sport he once ruled.

“I don’t miss it, to be honest, I miss it zero” Rafa added. “Not because I ended up tired or fighting with tennis, not at all. I ended up happy and if I could I would have continued playing, tennis has made me happy all my life. When you realize that you can’t, you try to close the stage, and I have closed it. It took me as long as it took because I needed time to be convinced that the decision I was making was right. What I would have taken very badly is the idea of me being on the sofa at home thinking that I could be there playing,” 

Of course, Nadal remains active in the sport through his ‘Rafa Nadal Academy’ in Mallorca. But as the clay season unfolds and Court Philippe Chatrier readies for battle, one thing will be unmistakably absent: crowds erupting with a passionate ¡Vamos, Rafa! echoing through the stands in his honor.

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