Draper: Sinner Doesn't Deserve Hate Over Doping Ban

British tennis player Jack Draper defends Jannik Sinner over doping controversy, calling him a 'kind-hearted and good human being'.

British tennis player Jack Draper has come to the defense of world number one Jannik Sinner, saying he doesn't deserve the hate he's receiving over a doping controversy. Sinner recently accepted a three-month ban as part of a deal with the World Anti-Doping Agency after testing positive twice.

Draper's comments offer a different perspective on the situation, suggesting that Sinner's punishment was sufficient and that the public's reaction may be excessive. The doping controversy has sparked debate in the tennis world, with some questioning the fairness of Sinner's punishment.

Jack Draper says Jannik Sinner's presence has been missed as the world number one prepares for his comeback from a three-month doping ban. pic.twitter.com/6VyW6neRO9

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 22, 2025

Draper spoke about Jannik Sinner in a recent interview, describing him as a kind-hearted and genuine person. “When people ask about him, or anyone, I'll tell the truth. I think Jannik is a really, really genuine, nice person,” Draper said.

Draper emphasized that Sinner would have been unaware of any issues, stating, “In this situation I'm sure that he would have absolutely zero idea of anything. That's just the way life goes - sometimes there's mistakes.” He also expressed concern over the hate Sinner receives, saying, “In terms of actually how I feel about him as a person, I think it's important for people to know and recognise that the guy's very, very kind-hearted and a good human being. So he doesn't deserve any of the hate that he gets.”

World number six Jack Draper recently had the opportunity to practice with Jannik Sinner at the Tennis Club de Beauvallon in France. Sinner was cleared to resume training on April 13 after a temporary absence from the tour. “If you can train with anyone, it's got to be probably the best in the world, right?” Draper said.

Draper praised Sinner's exceptional level of play, saying, “He's obviously had a bit of time off, but he's playing at an incredible level still.” He also expressed his excitement about Sinner's return to the tour, stating, “I'm looking forward to having him back on the tour, because I think his presence has been missed.” Draper added that the practice session was beneficial, saying, “It was great to be with him for a few days and get some good sparring.”

Jack Draper says Jannik Sinner doesn't deserve any of the hate he gets:

"When people ask about Jannik I tell the truth – I think he is a really genuine, nice person and on top of that he is an unbelievable player."

"In terms of how I feel about him as a person I think it is… pic.twitter.com/dZaZNR3Pgu

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 22, 2025