Eight-time Grand Slam champion Jimmy Connors has openly shared his thoughts on the situation surrounding Jannik Sinner, who recently faced a doping controversy. Despite an investigation and the subsequent lifting of any punishment, the matter has left an indelible mark on Sinner’s reputation and the tennis world.
Back in August, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared Sinner after he tested positive for clostebol, an anabolic steroid, on two separate occasions in March. The tribunal concluded that there was no fault or negligence on his part. Sinner explained that the steroid entered his system through a massage provided by his former physiotherapist, who had unknowingly used a spray containing the substance to treat a minor injury.
However, the case didn’t end there. In September, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a potential ban of one to two years. After months of legal wrangling, an agreement was reached between WADA and Sinner’s team, resulting in a suspension from February 9 to May 4. As a result, the 23-year-old Italian will miss several significant events, including the ATP 500 Qatar Open and several Masters 1000 tournaments such as Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and Madrid. Thankfully for Sinner, his suspension does not extend to Grand Slam events, meaning he will be back in action for the Italian Open, just days after his suspension ends.
On his Advantage Connors podcast, the legendary American tennis player expressed his disappointment over the situation, emphasizing how detrimental Sinner’s absence is for the sport. “Tennis is definitely better with Sinner in it. It’s a lot better with him in it,” Connors stated. “And for him to be away from the game, not playing at his top level and not creating the kind of buzz he does—that’s bad for the game. It’s a shame that this situation has overshadowed his incredible achievements.”
Connors, who’s no stranger to controversies in his own career, reflected on Sinner’s remarkable run over the past 18 months. He praised the young Italian’s exciting wins and his ability to elevate the sport with his thrilling performances. “It’s a shame that this controversy has tainted all of that,” Connors added. “I’m old school—I believe in giving your best with what you have, and if that’s not enough, you keep working to improve. But tennis doesn’t need these distractions. It needs players who can push the game forward and inspire future generations.”
Back in October, Connors had voiced concerns about the potential impact of such a ban on the sport as a whole, especially with a rising star like Sinner. “Tennis at that level can’t afford to lose a player like him. Lower-ranked players have been discarded before, but when it comes to top players, it’s a different story,” he said. “I just don’t think the sport can take that hit.”
As the dust settles on this controversy, Connors’ words highlight a deep concern: the sport needs its stars to shine, and the ongoing drama surrounding Sinner, regardless of the verdict, has left a shadow on what could have been a pivotal moment in his career.