Nadal Defends Sinner Amid Doping Controversy: "I 100% Believe In His Innocence"

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has voiced his full support for world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who is nearing the end of a doping suspension. Speaking exclusively to CNN Sport, Nadal said he firmly believes the Italian star is innocent.

Sinner, a rising force in men’s tennis, is serving a three-month ban after twice testing positive for Clostebol, an anabolic steroid, in March last year. Initially, he avoided suspension when the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted that a contaminated over-the-counter spray applied by a physiotherapist caused the positive tests. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the ruling, prompting Sinner to accept a suspension running from February 9 to May 4, 2025.

“I’ve always taken responsibility for my team,” Sinner said in a February statement, “but I’ve never knowingly taken a banned substance.”

Nadal, who was honored with the Sporting Icon Award at this year’s Laureus World Sports Awards, weighed in on the controversy.

“I don’t have all the details, but I 100% believe Jannik is innocent,” Nadal said. “I don’t think for a second he intended to cheat. I truly believe in him.”

Sinner’s case has reignited debate over tennis’ anti-doping protocols, with some players suggesting top stars may receive preferential treatment. Notably, Sinner’s suspension didn’t prevent him from competing in any Grand Slam tournaments. Serena Williams recently commented that if the same incident had happened to her, she would have faced a 20-year ban and had her titles stripped, though she also called Sinner “a fantastic personality” and “great for the sport.”

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic criticized the optics of the situation, saying it reflects poorly on tennis. Still, Nadal stood by the integrity of the sport’s testing system.

“I’ve been tested for 20 years, and the process has always been strict and fair,” said the 22-time Grand Slam champion. “From my experience, I don’t believe Jannik received special treatment because of his ranking. I have full trust in the system.”

As Sinner prepares for a potential return at the French Open in late May, he’s considered one of the tournament favorites. Nadal, a record 14-time French Open champion, hopes the shadow of the suspension won’t taint Sinner’s accomplishments.

Alcaraz: The Natural Successor?

For Sinner to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires, he’ll likely have to face Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, who’s frequently compared to Nadal. Alcaraz, known for his dominance on clay, claimed his first French Open title last year.

“Comparisons are normal,” Nadal said of Alcaraz. “We all faced pressure from the media and public expectations. But Carlos handles it well—he’s a great player with a strong family behind him.”

Nadal praised the 21-year-old’s progress and predicted a historic career if injuries don’t get in the way. “I truly believe he’ll be one of the greatest of all time,” he added.

Although Nadal occasionally exchanges messages with Alcaraz and offers advice to younger players, he’s not ready to enter the coaching world just yet.

“In life, you never say never,” Nadal said. “But right now, I enjoy spending time with my family. I’m not in a place where I want to travel full-time with a player.”

A Legacy Beyond Trophies

Instead, Nadal is focused on nurturing talent through his tennis academy, which is already producing successful players. Even in retirement, he continues to collect honors. Alongside the Laureus Award, Nadal will be celebrated at this year’s French Open.

Reflecting on his legacy, the Spanish icon emphasized values over victories.

“Results are results. I won what I won, and I lost what I lost—nothing can change that,” Nadal said. “But for me, what matters most is being remembered not just as a great player, but as a good person. Someone who fought hard, respected the game, and treated everyone fairly.”