Adrian Mannarino doubts innocence of Sinner and Swiatek in doping cases: “I don't believe in Santa Claus anymore”
ATP
Adrian
Mannarino questioned the innocence of Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek regarding
the doping controversy revealed in a recent interview. The world No. 66 said
that both cases seemed surprising to him, considering they were the only
positive cases in the elite of the Tour.
Sinner’s
case was attributed to contamination from a painkiller with Clostebol, which
his physiotherapist used for cuts on his fingers. When treating Sinner without
gloves, the substance would have entered the Italian's system. On the other
hand, Swiatek tested positive for Trimetazidine, which entered her body through
contamination in melatonin she took for jet lag.
"I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt"
Both cases
have been widely criticized in the tennis world, with voices from players like
Nick Kyrgios, Denis Shapovalov, and Simona Halep. Sinner escaped without facing
suspensions, while Swiatek accepted a one-month suspension, which she served –
without the case being made public – by skipping the Asian Swing. After
returning to the Tour, she had one week of suspension left, which she completed
during the first week of the off-season.
Read also
Both Sinner
and Swiatek were declared innocent of any intentional wrongdoing; only the
Polish player was suspended due to her fault for buying melatonin from an
unapproved store by the ITIA. Amid the widespread discussions on the matter,
Adrian Mannarino responded to an interview with RMC Sports, where he shared his
opinion on the issue.
"I
don't believe in Santa Claus anymore. If there are those who want to believe,
they can believe but it's not really my type. I'm willing to give them the
benefit of the doubt, but it's still very surprising because this season there
have been two positive tests out of the 300 best in the world, and they are the
two number 1s in the world."
“So I can
also understand that someone could inadvertently take the wrong pill or the
wrong vitamin, but it’s still all very surprising. I wake up every morning at
36 limping. Having to go on the court against 20-25-year-olds, if they’re not
clean, becomes complicated. I hope for their sake that it’s like this,” he
concluded.
Mannarino,
36 years old, will return to the courts in 2024 at the Nouméa Challenger, where
he will be the first seed. The Frenchman decided to play a lower-level
tournament instead of qualifying in Brisbane or Hong Kong. It will be his only
preparatory tournament before traveling to Melbourne for the Australian Open,
his 59th appearance in a Grand Slam main draw.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
