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Former World No.1 Jimmy Connors has voiced his opinion on the controversy surrounding the doping allegations against tennis superstar Jannik Sinner, saying the sport would take a major hit if the Italian were to be handed a ban.
It was revealed in August that Sinner had tested positive for Clostebol, a banned substance, during Indian Wells earlier this year. However, the Italian appealed, arguing the substance had infiltrated his body after receiving a massage from his ex-physiotherapist. Subsequently, Sinner was cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), sparking a debate as many believed he wad received a lenient treatment.
On the latest episode of his Advantage Connors podcast, the retired American pro admitted he had seen several lower-ranked players banned for violating the anti-doping policy. However, Connors believes tennis would not survive if Sinner were handed a ban.
"I am not so close to it that I understand just what a grain of salt of that does," began Connors. " And to be honest, that’s not my style to be a part of that. Listen, all I know is that I don’t think tennis at that level could survive that to hit a top player. They have shown in the past that they are not afraid to hit lower ranked players and discard them from the game. But I don’t know if tennis at that level could take it."
Furthermore, Connors would go on to suggest that playing tennis served as a distraction for Sinner during the trying period.
"It’s his escape," added Connors. "Once he is out on that court he has too much to think about. His own game, his opponent. He knows what it is going to take to win. But what do you do for the other 20 hours over the rest of the day?"
Thank you Six Kings Slam for an incredible week! I enjoyed it a lot and what a privilege to play with so many great players. #SixKingSlam #RiyadhSeason