As world number one Jannik Sinner prepares to return to competitive tennis following a three-month suspension, British player Jack Draper has spoken out in support of his friend, urging fans and critics to avoid harsh judgment.
Sinner, 23, accepted a three-month ban in February after reaching a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) related to two positive tests for the banned substance clostebol in 2023. The ban concludes just before the Italian Open, allowing him to return to action on 5 May — in time for this year’s French Open.
While the timing of the ban raised eyebrows and sparked accusations of preferential treatment, Draper insists that Sinner’s character should not be called into question. In a joint interview with BBC Sport and The Guardian at the Madrid Open, Draper, who is also 23, emphasized that the Italian "doesn't deserve any of the hate he gets."
“He’s a good human being”
“In this situation, I am sure he would have had absolutely zero idea of anything,” Draper said. “That’s the way life goes — sometimes there are mistakes.”
Sinner’s case had previously been reviewed by an independent panel, which cleared him of intentional wrongdoing. It concluded that the clostebol entered his system through an over-the-counter spray used by his physiotherapist to treat a cut on his hand — a product that was not intended to enhance performance.
Rather than pursue a legal battle, Sinner chose to accept the three-month suspension in agreement with WADA, avoiding an appearance at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. However, the fact that the ban did not interfere with any Grand Slam tournaments fueled skepticism among some players and tennis followers about the transparency of the process.
Still, Draper, ranked sixth in the world, emphasized the importance of context and character:
“It is important for people to know and recognise the guy is kind-hearted and a good human being.”
Sinner still sharp in training
Following his early exit at the Monte Carlo Masters, Draper reached out to Sinner, and the two spent several days practicing together on clay in Monte Carlo — a chance encounter that Draper described as both rewarding and inspiring.
“I knew Jannik was available and in Monte Carlo on the clay, so we organised with his team to go out there for three or four days and train with him,” Draper said. “If you're going to train with anyone, it has got to be the best in the world, right?”
Despite his time away from the tour, Draper noted that Sinner’s form and level remained exceptional.
“He’s obviously had a bit of time off but he’s playing at an incredible level still. It was great to be around him for a few days and get some good sparring.”
Looking ahead to Rome and Roland Garros
With Sinner set to make his comeback at his home tournament in Rome, the spotlight will be back on his performances rather than the controversy. Draper believes that the tour has missed his presence and is looking forward to his return.
“I’m looking forward to having him back on the tour because I think his presence has been missed,” Draper added.
As the tennis world continues to debate the implications of Sinner’s case, Draper’s support offers a reminder that in the high-stakes world of professional sport, context and personal integrity matter too.