In a surprising show of solidarity, Andrey Rublev has come out in strong support of Jannik Sinner amidst the ongoing doping controversy that has shaken the tennis world. Sinner, the World No. 1, tested positive for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024, twice within an eight-day period. Despite being cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) on the grounds of contamination, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed the decision and is seeking a ban of between one and two years.
Rublev, who has faced Sinner on the court multiple times, empathized with his rival, stating, “You can’t wish any player to go through this. I can’t imagine the stress or anxiety he felt during this entire period. He managed very well. He continued to play at his best level and managed to dominate the circuit despite everything by winning titles. It’s very impressive.”
Rublev’s support is particularly noteworthy given the mixed reactions from the tennis community. While some players have remained ambivalent, others have been quick to criticize Sinner. Rublev, however, took a more holistic view, suggesting that the anti-doping system in tennis is overly strict and needs to be more understandable.
The Russian star also highlighted the mental and physical challenges Sinner faced while continuing to perform at a high level. Rublev himself has had a mixed season, winning his second Masters 1000 title in Madrid and qualifying for the ATP Finals for a fifth consecutive year. He acknowledged that there are areas in his game that need improvement, particularly his performance at the net.
As the tennis world awaits the resolution of Sinner’s case, Rublev’s support serves as a reminder of the complexities and pressures faced by athletes. The upcoming Australian Open in January 2025 will be a crucial event for both players, and fans will be watching closely to see how this controversy impacts their performances.
Andrey Rublev in 2024
Ranked world no.8, the Russian played his last match on the 15th of November when he was defeated by world no.6 Casper Ruud 6-4 5-7 6-2 in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
During this season Rublev achieved an overall 43-26 win-loss record. The Russian conquered 2 titles in 2024 in Hong Kong and Madrid. Rublev was the runner-up in Montreal.
He is also scheduled to play in Hong Kong (Hong Kong Tennis Open) on the 1st of January and () on the 13th of January.
Jannik Sinner in 2024
WWWWWWWWWW Now ranked no.1, Sinner played his last match on the 24th of November when he overcame world no.40 Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(2) 6-2 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
Presently, during this year the Italian has managed to achieve a compiled 73-6 win-loss record. Sinner clinched 8 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami, Halle, Cincinnati, U.S. Open, Shanghai and the Nitto ATP Finals. Sinner reached the final in Beijing.
Andrey Rublev and Jannik Sinner clashed against each other 9 times. Their record is 6-3 for Sinner.
