Draper Defends Sinner: “He Doesn’t Deserve the Hate”

Jack Draper has recently made headlines not for his powerful serves or stunning victories, but for his staunch defense of fellow tennis star Jannik Sinner amidst a controversial doping ban. Draper’s comments have ignited discussions within the tennis community, highlighting the complexities of sportsmanship, friendship, and the pressures faced by top athletes.

Sinner’s Suspension: A Quick Recap

In February 2025, Jannik Sinner, the world number one, agreed to a three-month ban after testing positive for a banned substance last year. The substance was identified as clostebol, and Sinner’s team argued that he had been inadvertently contaminated by his physiotherapist, who was treating a cut with an over-the-counter spray containing the prohibited substance. An independent panel initially cleared Sinner of fault or negligence, resulting in no initial suspension. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). To avoid a prolonged legal battle, Sinner reached a settlement with WADA, accepting a three-month ban.

The timing of the ban raised eyebrows, as it allowed Sinner to return to competition in time for the Italian Open in Rome and minimized disruption to his preparation for the French Open. This led to accusations of favoritism, with some players questioning the fairness of the decision.

Draper’s Strong Stance

Jack Draper has emerged as one of Sinner’s most vocal supporters. In a recent interview with BBC Sport and The Guardian, Draper stated that Sinner “doesn’t deserve any of the hate he gets.” He emphasized Sinner’s character, describing him as a “really genuine, nice person” and a “kind-hearted” individual. Draper expressed his belief that Sinner had “absolutely zero idea of anything” related to the banned substance and that the situation was simply a “mistake.”

Draper’s defense of Sinner goes beyond mere words. He recently spent several days practicing with Sinner in Monte Carlo, helping him prepare for his return to the tour. Draper explained that he sought out Sinner as a practice partner because “if you’re going to train with anyone, it’s got to be probably the best in the world, right?” He also added that Sinner’s “presence has been missed” on the tour and that he is looking forward to his return.

Kyrgios’s Criticism and Djokovic’s Comments

Not everyone shares Draper’s sympathetic view. Nick Kyrgios has been a vocal critic of Sinner and the handling of his case. He took to social media to question the presence of a banned substance in Sinner’s system, writing, “Then don’t have steroids in your system?” Kyrgios also criticized the three-month ban as a “biased take.”

Novak Djokovic also weighed in on the controversy, addressing claims of “favoritism” in WADA’s decision. He acknowledged that many players in the locker room were unhappy with how the process had been handled and felt it was unfair. Djokovic pointed to the resources available to top-ranked players, suggesting that they might have an advantage in reducing their bans compared to others. He used the examples of Simona Halep and Tara Moore to highlight inconsistencies in decision-making in similar cases.

The Draper-Sinner Connection

Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner have a history that extends beyond the professional tour. They have played doubles together and share a friendly relationship. Draper has even mentioned that Sinner taught him how to cook pasta. Their bond seems to be built on mutual respect and camaraderie.

Draper’s support for Sinner is not new. When the initial news of Sinner’s suspension broke, Draper told Sky Sports, “Jannik is a good friend and I know that with this whole thing, I am sure he wouldn’t have done anything intentionally.”

Head-to-Head Record

The two players have faced each other a total of 4 times, with each player winning twice.

| Player | Matches Won | Win % | Hard Won | Clay Won | Grass Won |
|—————|————-|——-|———-|———-|———–|
| Jannik Sinner | 2 | 50.0% | | | |
| Jack Draper | 2 | 50.0% | | | |

Their head-to-head record demonstrates a balanced rivalry, with each player capable of challenging the other on the court.

The Impact on Tennis

The Sinner case has wider implications for the sport of tennis. It raises questions about the responsibility of athletes for the actions of their support teams, the consistency of anti-doping regulations, and the potential for perceived favoritism towards top players.

Draper’s comments serve as a reminder that athletes are also human beings who are subject to mistakes and deserve support from their peers. His defense of Sinner highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in a highly competitive environment.

Draper’s Career Trajectory

Jack Draper is a rising star in the tennis world. Born on December 22, 2001, the 23-year-old Brit has quickly ascended the ranks, achieving a career-high ranking of world number 6 on April 7, 2025. Draper is known for his powerful left-handed serve and aggressive playing style. He has won three titles on the ATP Tour, including a Masters 1000 event at the 2025 Indian Wells Open. He reached a major semifinal at the 2024 US Open.

2025 Season Highlights

• Australian Open: Reached the fourth round.
• Indian Wells: Won his first Masters 1000 title, defeating top players along the way.
• Monte Carlo Masters: Lost in a tight three-setter to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the round of 16.
• Madrid Open: Seeded fifth, receiving a first-round bye.

Draper’s recent success has solidified his position as a top player and a contender for major titles.

Sinner’s Dominance

Jannik Sinner, also 23 years old, has established himself as one of the most dominant players in the world. He is currently ranked number 1 and has won the Australian Open.

2025 Season Highlights

• Australian Open: Won the title, defeating Alexander Zverev in the final.

Sinner’s incredible form has made him a favorite in every tournament he enters.

Looking Ahead

As Jannik Sinner prepares to return to the tour, he will undoubtedly face scrutiny and questions about his suspension. Jack Draper’s public support may provide him with a much-needed boost as he seeks to put the controversy behind him and focus on his tennis.

The story is a reminder of the human side of sports, where friendships and ethical considerations can sometimes clash with the intense pressures of competition. It remains to be seen how this situation will affect the relationship between Draper and Sinner on and off the court, but Draper’s message of support sends a powerful signal of unity and sportsmanship within the tennis community.