Amidst Jannik Sinner’s Doping Saga, ATP Chief Proves His Innocence After Reports of Preferential Treatment Emerge

Jannik Sinner might be playing the best tennis of life right now, at his home in Italy, but it seems like controversies are also following like a shadow. After clearing the semis against Casper Rudd (6-1, 6-2) on Saturday, the Fox is all set to fight for the ATP Finals crown today. While he's preparing for the title clash, his involvement in the doping case is still affecting him in more ways than one. The case caught heat when rumors popped up suggesting that Sinner got a special treatment from The International Tennis Integrity Agency due to his status. Now the ATP chief has come forward – giving a much-needed clarity on the ongoing situation.

For those unaware, Sinner tested positive for an anabolic steroid in March during the Indian Wells event. Moreover, he was tested positive again, few days later, after the event. Initially, he got a provisional ban based on the test results. However, after a successful plea by the player's team, he got the permission to keep playing. Accepting Sinner's appeal to allow him for competing, the ITIA gave the reason that the violation was not intentional. Later in August, an independent panel found that there was no fault of Jannik Sinner. Thus, no kind of ban was imposed on him. But he had to lose 400 ranking points along with $325,000 of his prize money. Moreover, this verdict from the ITIA put question marks on the agency's integrity when rumors of double standards and special treatment to Sinner aggravated . Now, ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi has a clear answer. He's confirmed that there was no favor given to the world no.1 in any way.

The former Italian player mentioned in an interaction with the Associated Press, dated November 15th, that rumors of double standards are "unfair because the rules have been the same." Making a surprising revelation, Gaudenzi said, "I learned the day before we all learned,". He implied that ITIA's team kept the case details confidential, thus following the rules. Simply put, he didn't know about it in advance. "And to be honest, I'm happy about that. I really thank the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) and our representatives there for intentionally keeping me and our entire team in the dark because that's how it should be," said the ATP chairman . "It should be completely independent and that was agreed by the (parties). It was a shock, but obviously comforted by the evidence afterward," he added.

The latest update from Gaudenzi will support Sinner's cause as it's clear that he didn't receive any soft treatment. Coming on to tennis side of things, the Fox will now look to keep his focus on winning the title clash in Turin.

Jannik Sinner vs Taylor Fritz: Who will lift the ATP Finals trophy? Both the opponents have already faced each other in the season finale. During the group stage match earlier this week on Wednesday, Sinner played Fritz in a one-sided contest where he reigned supreme. The Italian won in straight sets with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-4. Moreover, the two-time Grand Slam champion has been invincible in the event so far. Plus, he hasn't dropped a single set!

On the other hand, Fritz began his ATP Finals campaign with a bang when he defeated Daniil Medvedev in his first match. However, he lost against Sinner in the next encounter, as mentioned above. But the American didn't lose his momentum and came back strongly. In his last group match, he beat Alex de Minaur after trailing in the first set. Fritz won the battle 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 and also qualified for the semifinal round. In the SF match, he overcame the challenge of World No.2 Alexander Zverev. Taylor took the better of the German and snatched the match with a scoreline of 6-3, 3-6, 7-6.

Speaking of Sinner and Fritz's overall head-to-head record, the Italian is currently leading the tally 3-1. Obviously, the American would like to take a sweet revenge on Sunday. Also, he will look to win his biggest ATP trophy in his career so far. On the other hand, Jannik will focus on claiming the title after failing to do so last year. In 2023, Serbia's Novak Djokovic beat him 6-3, 6-3 in the championship match. Who do you think can lift the trophy in Turin today? Will it be the Fox or Fritz will stun the World No.1 in a thrilling face-off? Let us know in the comments below.