Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz expressed his concerns on Sunday about the steroid case involving Jannik Sinner, calling it "not good" for tennis but also showing empathy towards the world number one. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced on Saturday that it had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after Sinner was cleared of wrongdoing last month. WADA is seeking a ban of up to two years following Sinner's two positive tests for the banned substance clostebol in March. The International Tennis Integrity Agency later accepted Sinner's explanation that the drug entered his system when his physiotherapist used a spray containing it to treat a cut, subsequently providing massage and sports therapy to the player.
Alcaraz, the Spanish world number three, commented at the China Open: "I think for tennis it's not really good, not really a good sign for tennis in general." While some players have been skeptical about Sinner's explanation for failing the two tests, Alcaraz took a more sympathetic view. "It is difficult for him. I know everyone is talking about it, the news is talking about it," he said, having reached the last eight in Beijing. "Probably as he said before New York (US Open), people started to look at him in a different way." Alcaraz continued, "I don't know how it can be, but for sure I understand the position. I feel (for) him." He added, "But anyway, the game and the level that he's playing with everything he's been through right now, it's insane." Alcaraz concluded, "I hope that this thing... will be aside soon and he's able to stay focused on what he loves, and that is playing tennis, trying to keep going." Sinner is also competing in Beijing, where he is set to face Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic on Monday.
