US Open 2024: Rafael Nadal backs Jannik Sinner despite testing positive for banned substance

Former US Open champion Rafael Nadal has backed Jannik Sinner despite testing positive for a banned substance earlier in the year. Sinner, who made it to the US Open quarterfinals on Tuesday (Sep 3) after beating Tommy Paul of the United States 7-6, 7-6, 6-1 was defended by Nadal as he reckoned the Italian would have never considered doping. The 23-year-old was found guilty but was not charged by the Tennis authorities prior to the US Open.

Nadal defends Sinner for failed dope test

"I have a virtue or a deficit, which is that in the end I usually believe in people's good faith. I know Sinner, I don't believe that Sinner has ever wanted to dope," Nadal told Spanish television show "El Hormiguero."

Add WION as a Preferred Source

"I don't think we have to like it only when it is resolved in the way we think. In the end, justice is justice and I believe in justice.

"I believe in the bodies that have to make decisions and that really make them based on what they believe is right."

In March, Sinner tested positive for the steroid clostebol, a banned substance used to build muscle. However, he clarified that one of his team members used the substances on his own hand before treating him, thereby passing the substance through hand-to-hand contact. The members of the team were later fired by Sinner which saw him get into trouble.

ALSO READ |US Open: World number one Iga Swiatek beats Liudmila Samonsova to reach quarters

Sinner to face Medvedev in QF

With a place in the semis up for grabs, Sinner outclassed Tommy Paul in straight sets to keep his bid alive for a second Grand Slam title. Sinner was at his fluent best and won the opening two sets in tiebreaks before winning the final set in a one-sided contest. He will face Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinal which will be a repeat of the 2024 Australian Open final.

The Italian beat Novak Djokovic on his way to the final before getting the better of the Russian in a marathon contest to win his maiden Grand Slam title.