Roger Federer understands frustration over Jannik Sinner doping case

[ND-13]

Federer questions process in 'tricky' Sinner case

Roger Federer thinks Jannik Sinner's doping case raises questions about whether the men's world No. 1 should have been allowed to continue competing until he was absolved of intentionally using an anabolic steroid he tested positive for twice in March.

africa.espn.com

"It's not something we want to see in our sport, these types of news, regardless if he did something or not. Or any player did. It's just noise that we don't want. I understand the frustration of: has he been treated the same as others? And I think this is where it comes down to. We all trust pretty much at the end, he didn't do anything," Federer said Tuesday in an appearance on the "Today" show to promote a book of photos of him. "But the inconsistency, potentially, that he didn't have to sit out while they were not 100 percent sure what was going on -- I think that's the question here that needs to be answered."

 

[ND-13]

"It's a tricky situation and it's the nightmare of every athlete and team, to have these allegations and these problems," Federer said, adding: "We need to trust the process as well of everyone involved."

Federer said he spoke recently with Nadal, his longtime on-court rival and off-court friend, who is 38 and has played sparingly the past two seasons because of injuries, including a hip operation last year. He is sitting out the US Open.

There are questions about whether Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam trophies, will return to the tour.

"He can do whatever he wants," Federer said. "He's been one of the most iconic tennis players we've ever had in our sport. ... I just hope he can go out on his terms and the way he wants to."

 

[I get cramps]

"It's a tricky situation and it's the nightmare of every athlete and team, to have these allegations and these problems," Federer said, adding: "We need to trust the process as well of everyone involved."

Federer said he spoke recently with Nadal, his longtime on-court rival and off-court friend, who is 38 and has played sparingly the past two seasons because of injuries, including a hip operation last year. He is sitting out the US Open.

There are questions about whether Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam trophies, will return to the tour.

"He can do whatever he wants," Federer said. "He's been one of the most iconic tennis players we've ever had in our sport. ... I just hope he can go out on his terms and the way he wants to."

I have severe doubts that the Chatrier crowd, in this case, would heap praise, standing ovations, and dithyrambs on Sinner like the Ashe Stadium and the American telecasters—just as Nadal, Andy Roddick, Wertheim, the New York Times, Clarey, all the members of The Tennis Channel, etc. do.

We, fiendish skeptics, continue to be lectured by these charlatans about the innocence of professional sportsmen & women (if they were innocent, they would only dwell in Limbo, and there is no proof of the existence of Limbo).

It's endearing to listen to or read their legerdemain pirouettes: 'I know him very well, his heart is pure.’ It is like watching an episode of Highway to Heaven again, a series from the 1980s in which any mishap, no matter how severe, was solved thanks to Michael Landon's intervention.

 

[jm1980]

Federer questions process in 'tricky' Sinner case

Roger Federer thinks Jannik Sinner's doping case raises questions about whether the men's world No. 1 should have been allowed to continue competing until he was absolved of intentionally using an anabolic steroid he tested positive for twice in March.

africa.espn.com

"It's not something we want to see in our sport, these types of news, regardless if he did something or not. Or any player did. It's just noise that we don't want. I understand the frustration of: has he been treated the same as others? And I think this is where it comes down to. We all trust pretty much at the end, he didn't do anything," Federer said Tuesday in an appearance on the "Today" show to promote a book of photos of him. "But the inconsistency, potentially, that he didn't have to sit out while they were not 100 percent sure what was going on -- I think that's the question here that needs to be answered."

Federer is right. I don't think Sinner cheated, but he clearly received favorable treatment. That's not right

 

[Bartelby]

My understanding was that players can apply to keep playing as long as they agree that any penalty is backdated. The Tribunal found no fault so he didn't have to appeal to CAS.

And not having to appeal really saved his bacon! As did the decision coming out of the Cilic case.

The jurisprudence from CAS decisions is curtailing the draconian decisions we were used to from a Tribunal that erred on the side of harshness. The anti-doping system is losing the hysteria!

Federer is clearly wrong. Sinner received no favourable treatment. He received a favourable decision.

 

[Tennfan123]

Nice to see Roger not following any PR speak nonsense.

 

[Bartelby]

Federer's opinions are not worth listening to as they are always calibrated to cause the least offence. Nothing wrong with this approach, but it just makes him boring.

 

[Aabye5]

Federer's opinions are not worth listening to as they are always calibrated to cause the least offence. Nothing wrong with this approach, but it just makes him boring.

Actually, it was pretty bold of him to say that the ruling appears inconsistent.

 

[ForehandCross]

This might be the first time I am seeing this guy cross the PR line even if by a smidge and ask for answers.

Fraud is an old school guy and he definitely doesn't like the game's repute getting tarnished.

 

[inflation_era]

Soooo, only off court friend is Nadal, interesting.

 

[jlouie]

My understanding was that players can apply to keep playing as long as they agree that any penalty is backdated. The Tribunal found no fault so he didn't have to appeal to CAS.

And not having to appeal really saved his bacon! As did the decision coming out of the Cilic case.

The jurisprudence from CAS decisions is curtailing the draconian decisions we were used to from a Tribunal that erred on the side of harshness. The anti-doping system is losing the hysteria!

Federer is clearly wrong. Sinner received no favourable treatment. He received a favourable decision.

It's pretty sus that although Sinner's identity was concealed, at least one member of the tribunal knew it was Sinner's case. Thus, it is completely plausible that all 3 members of this "independent tribunal" also knew his identity before coming to a favorable decision.

 

[vokazu]

Roger Federer Reacts to Jannik Sinner Playing at US Open after Testing Positive for Banned Substance

The tennis legend weighed in on the "tricky situation" involving the world's top-ranked player, who twice tested positive for a banned substance in March.

www.today.com

Roger Federer on Jannik Sinner’s case, ‘I think we all trust pretty much that Jannik didn’t do anything, but the inconsistency potentially that he didn’t have to sit out while they weren’t 100% sure what was going on, I think that’s the question that needs to be answered’ “It’s not something we want to see in our sport, these types of news, regardless if he did something or not, or any player did. It’s just noise that we don’t want.”

"I understand it’s a tricky situation. It’s the nightmare of every athlete and team to have these allegations and these problems because we fill out these forms all day every day. And it lives with you. Every morning when you wake up, you think, ‘Is somebody at the door coming to test me?’ So it’s really difficult."

"I understand the frustration of, 'Has he been treated the same as others? And I think this is where it comes down to."

“I think we all trust pretty much that Jannik didn’t do anything, but the inconsistency potentially that he didn’t have to sit out while they weren’t 100 percent sure what was going on, I think that’s the question here that needs to be answered.

But look, it is what it is, and we need to trust the process as well of anyone involved here."


=============
The conclusion:



Federer trusts anyone involved here = he doesn't want the Physio, the Physio's friend and Jannik to be held accountable. He basically defends everyone that involved in this case = Federer says everyone is not guilty, lol. Federer trusting everyone in the case, including the possibly corrupt ITIA and ATP.

Federer: we all trust pretty much that Jannik didn’t do anything = he doesn't have a firm opinion in this matter. We should not only hold the ITIA accountable. We should also hold the player and his team accountable.


Federer trusts the process = Federer trusts the status quo, the authority. Basically he is a sheep and a yes man. He doesn't have the ball to challenge the authority.

Compare that to Djokovic who openly demands a change in the Anti Doping system:

Novak Djokovic said "there has to be a change" about tennis doping protocols, and he's right | Tennis.com

Those who receive provisional suspensions for testing positive but can’t come up with the money to make an aggressive appeal to CAS are often out of luck.

www.tennis.com

Novak Djokovic demands change in doping rules after Jannik Sinner case

Novak Djokovic has called for a change in doping rules after the Jannik Sinner case with many players believing the rich get preferential treatment

www.theguardian.com

 

[Better_Call_Raul]

There we have it. Straight from the horses mouth. Fed has never doped. Says he is opposed to doping. Fed hates to see doping headlines in the sport.
Yet we continue to have cynical dunderheads insisting that most top ATP players are doping.

 

[Fabresque]

Roger, I have finally regained my respect for you after all these years.

You called it the way it was. You were 100% real. Welcome to the bastion of Fabresque sporting excellence, no trophyless bums from Tottenham/Bayern, no foot injectors and doper defenders, just pure, cold facts.

You sir, are a legend of the sport, and you sit right at the top with Djokovic.

 

[Bride of Alcaraz]

I agree with Federer, if one player is going to be suspended from the tour until he thinks of an excuse for the drug in his system, then Sinner should also be suspended from the tour until he thinks of an excuse for the drug in his system!

 

[Bartelby]

Fed talked of an " inconsistency potentially".

Actually, it was pretty bold of him to say that the ruling appears inconsistent.

 

[Tano]

Federer is right. I don't think Sinner cheated, but he clearly received favorable treatment. That's not right

The ATP is a business and Sinner is, today, one of his greatest assets.
From a business perspective, it is understandable, from a moral perspective, it is debatable.

 

[Razer]

Federer is old school and he is not from the doping endorsing generation. Good to see Federer for a change not speak politically correct lines.

 

[Bartelby]

Mother: "Do you think my boy can win Wimbledon"? Roger: "He could do so ... potentially". Translating Roger: "He does have testicles so he can make it into the men's draw ... potentially".

 

[beartorun]

The ATP is a business and Sinner is, today, one of his greatest assets.
From a business perspective, it is understandable, from a moral perspective, it is debatable.

I am not legal expert but From my perspective there are some flaws in Roger thoughts:
1) ITIA has consistently followed an existing procedure : Sinner has answered to ITIA with a feedback that has been judged plausible (well known steroid, very low quantity, very similar cases) so to stop suspension and proceed to a final decision.
2) I guess Roger would think that no matter what you prove in this phase, since it is doping, you should be suspended til end of process (question: why he did not come out before and waited for sinner’s trial to challenge this)
3) I think that in any judicial procedure, in many other fields (penal, administrative), the one followed by ITIA is common standard: preliminary injunctions in public law or preliminary detentions can always be appealed.
4) Of course there could be someone arguing that for doping cases you should always suspend (fans for example and also sponsors). I honestly think however that any player should logically prefer the current approach which is highly protective for them. Unless of course you have your own personal agenda.

 

[FeroBango]

Federer is old school and he is not from the doping endorsing generation. Good to see Federer for a change not speak politically correct lines.

Guess he can finally be his snarky self he loves to be at times now that he's done with the game.

 

[Rovesciarete]

I am not legal expert but From my perspective there are some flaws in Roger thoughts:

Well stated. Roger is as usually guarded and tries to be even-handed. Basically 'I think we all trust Jannik' but he also wants to understand some frustrations. Sounds wise but obviously has its logical flaws as outlined many times here. The Bortolotti case is basically the perfect test that Sinner wasn't treated uniquely.

The newspapers are, as they do, leading with the frustration and not the trust into the player and the process part. Nadal is less afraid to speak his mind, as so often during his career on certain issues.

 

[Martin J]

Roger, I have finally regained my respect for you after all these years.

You called it the way it was. You were 100% real. Welcome to the bastion of Fabresque sporting excellence, no trophyless bums from Tottenham/Bayern, no foot injectors and doper defenders, just pure, cold facts.

You sir, are a legend of the sport, and you sit right at the top with Djokovic.

Heh, Indian Wells 2012, feeling a bit nostalgic seeing this. The year he came back to #1 competing against prime Djok/Nadal/MuriGOAT at the age of 30/31...not too bad.

 

[Razer]

Guess he can finally be his snarky self he loves to be at times now that he's done with the game.

He would still not say stuffs that can harm his brand. It is just that now he does not have to be kind towards other players as he doesn't have to see them daily. This doesn't mean he will say bad things about players with whom he might have shared business interests.

 

[Bartelby]

The two cases are as different as chalk and cheese.

Well stated. Roger is as usually guarded and tries to be even-handed. Basically 'I think we all trust Jannik' but he also wants to understand some frustrations. Sounds wise but obviously has its logical flaws as outlined many times here. The Bortolotti case is basically the perfect test that Sinner wasn't treated uniquely.

The newspapers are, as they do, leading with the frustration and not the trust into the player and the process part. Nadal is less afraid to speak his mind, as so often during his career on certain issues.

 

[Apun94]

Federer's opinions are not worth listening to as they are always calibrated to cause the least offence. Nothing wrong with this approach, but it just makes him boring.

Even as a Fed fan, i wholeheartedly agree with this. SO pathetically PC and boring. I had hoped he would open up after retirement but dude still cares so much about his "image" and "brand". Stop clenching Roger, sheesh

 

[TennisXpert@2023]

Even as a Fed fan, i wholeheartedly agree with this. SO pathetically PC and boring. I had hoped he would open up after retirement but dude still cares so much about his "image" and "brand". Stop clenching Roger, sheesh

It has nothing to do with image or brand. This thread only very proves this forum doesn’t care anything about tennis or the players, just gossip. Federer has already stated that doesn’t do fake negative emotions. Him putting down Sinner to elevate the Big 3 has no place for him or tennis.

 

[Hitman]

Fed in the house.

 

[Hitman]

Here is what Federer had to say.

 

[SonnyT]

Wow, after this, Sinner is bound to be handed the trophy!

 

[Apun94]

It has nothing to do with image or brand. This thread only very proves this forum doesn’t care anything about tennis or the players, just gossip. Federer has already stated that doesn’t do fake negative emotions. Him putting down Sinner to elevate the Big 3 has no place for him or tennis.

Sheesh man. Saying negative things about sinner has nothing to do with the big 3. Not everything is a conspiracy. I am not even saying Sinner was guilty or not. Just the way roger put everything is so cringe. Dude was soooo neutral here. I was tired of this back when the big 3 were at the top and i LOVED their matches, and i am still tired of it

 

[SneederFeeder]

Federer is right. I don't think Sinner cheated, but he clearly received favorable treatment. That's not right

I think my main problem is that people seem to take for granted that Sinner should be penalized like other players were as the only option

When the treatment he got seems much more fair and sensical to me, and should be the one applied to every other player in this type of situation

Basically instead of pulling Sinner down, pulling others up

 

[SonnyT]

Now Roger pontificates on all things tennis. He's like the conscience of tennis. He would never express his opinion while as an active player.

 

[jackson vile]

Why, because of Nadal?

 

[TennisXpert@2023]

Sheesh man. Saying negative things about sinner has nothing to do with the big 3. Not everything is a conspiracy. I am not even saying Sinner was guilty or not. Just the way roger put everything is so cringe. Dude was soooo neutral here. I was tired of this back when the big 3 were at the top and i LOVED their matches, and i am still tired of it

Only thing that is cringe is this forum because it’s only fueled by fake drama. Roger doesn’t want any part of it and you can’t stand that. You thinking Roger will help fuel this negativity because he’s retired is a misconception on your part.

 

[Lleytonstation]

Fed is basically just enjoying life and chilling. He just said something cause he was asked. Didn't care to take a side.

I guarantee he does not care one bit one way or the other.

Hence his vague response.

 

[tennis_error]

I agree with Fed that different standards are biggest issue here.

But, why he needed to be so establishment at the end:
"We need to trust the process as well of everyone involved."

No, we fckn don't need to trust the process! We need to question that proces so everyone have the same treatment...

 

[Rovesciarete]

I agree with Fed that different standards are biggest issue here.

But, why he needed to be so establishment at the end:
"We need to trust the process as well of everyone involved."

No, we fckn don't need to trust the process! We need to question that proces so everyone have the same treatment...

Federer should not have gone PR to placate those guys trying to dream up supposed differences in treatment when he had a perfect example of Bortolotti.

Nadal seemed much more informed and expressed his well-founded opinion, having likely discussed it with his uncle.

 

[Impetus]

I like Federer as a tennis player. Hell, I admire his game.

This is just horse **** presented as cake.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Classy answer by Federer!