Straight talk from the maestro

Federer on Sinner: “Question must be answered”

Jannik Sinner and Roger Federer

(Bild: GEPA, krone.at-MRGrafik)

After Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer has now also spoken out about the doping scandal surrounding Jannik Sinner. And the Swiss superstar has a very clear opinion on the case.

"This is something we don't want to see in our sport, this kind of news, regardless of whether he has done anything or not. It's just noise that we don't want," said the 43-year-old, who ended his career two years ago with 20 Grand Slam titles, about the South Tyrolean's case. "I understand that it's a tricky situation. It's every athlete's and team's nightmare to have these accusations and problems."

(Bild: AFP/GETTY IMAGES/MATTHEW STOCKMAN)

At the same time, Federer also denounces the questions that remain unanswered in this case. The public had no knowledge of the proceedings against Sinner until the acquittal in August. "I think we all pretty much trust that Jannik didn't do anything," Federer emphasized on the "Today" program on US television station NBC. "But the possible inconsistency of him not sitting out while they weren't 100 percent sure what was going on - I think that question needs to be answered." You have to trust the process, but he understands the frustration, the Swiss explained, asking, "Has he been treated the same as others?"

"I believe in justice"
The Italian tennis world number one was acquitted by an independent court in March shortly before the US Open after two positive tests for the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol. "In the end, justice is justice, and I believe in justice," said Rafael Nadal, who is currently taking a break due to a lack of fitness.