Feliciano Lopez and Stan Wawrinka clash over Jannik Sinner’s doping case: “A longer suspension would’ve made the sport cleaner?”

Feliciano López has responded to Stan Wawrinka regarding Jannik Sinner’s suspension amid the ongoing doping controversy. This Saturday, it was announced that the Italian had reached an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to accept a three-month suspension after testing positive in a doping test in March.

The world No. 1 claims that his physiotherapist had a prohibited substance in his hands, which unintentionally entered his system. However, reactions from the tennis world quickly followed. The three-time Grand Slam champion had initially avoided suspension from the ITIA in August, but WADA appealed the decision, leading to this outcome.

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Among those reacting was former world No. 3 and three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka, who took to X to post: “I don’t believe in a clean sport anymore …”, referring to Sinner’s case and the controversy surrounding possible preferential treatment due to his ATP ranking.

This has also raised questions about suspensions in similar cases, such as those of Dan Evans, Nicolas Jarry, Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Simona Halep.

However, the controversy didn’t stop there. Former Spanish player Feliciano López responded to Wawrinka’s post, coming to Sinner’s defense and arguing that a longer suspension wouldn’t have been the right decision.

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“I do, Stan. It’s very clear he hasn’t done anything to enhance his performance, that’s proven. He’s taking full responsibility for others’ mistakes and a three-month suspension consequently. A longer suspension would’ve made the sport cleaner? I don’t think so.”

Sinner’s suspension will last until May 4, allowing the world’s best player to return in time for Roland Garros, where he will aim for his first Grand Slam title on clay. Additionally, it is unlikely that he will lose his No. 1 ranking during his suspension.

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