Jannik Sinner opens up about friendship with Jack Draper – ‘We are humble’
Jannik Sinner has expressed his gratitude to Jack Draper after the world No 5 provided him with “positive energy” during his suspension.
Three-time Grand Slam winner Sinner was banned from February 9 until May 4 after he twice tested positive for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024.
The world No 1 was cleared of any wrongdoing in August last year as a tribunal found he bore “no fault or negligence” with his failed test the result of contamination, but the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the initial ruling and in February this year he was hit with a three-month suspension.
Naturally, there were mixed reactions from ATP Tour rivals with the likes of Nick Kyrgios and Stan Wawrinka critical that he received “only” a three-month ban, but others came to his support.
Draper was one of the players who spoke highly of the world No 1 in April as he offered him support.
“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,” the British No 1 told the BBC.
“In this situation, I am sure he would have had absolutely zero idea of anything. That’s the way life goes – sometimes there are mistakes.
“In terms of how I feel about him as a person I think it is important for people to know and recognise the guy is kind-hearted and a good human being. He doesn’t deserve any of the hate he gets.”
Having served his suspension, Sinner made his comeback at the Italian Open and he has now repaid the compliment to Draper, a player he has known since his teenage years as they climbed through the ranks together.
Jannik Sinner News
Jannik Sinner has given tennis a big problem – but his Italian fans don’t care
Jannik Sinner ‘hate’ over drug ban is not justified claims top 10 rival in outspoken comments
When asked how much Draper’s support meant to him, he replied: “Me and Jack, we know each other for quite long. We got to know each other better now when he came to the level where we are.
“I think we all players know how strong he was, what potential he had, and now he’s showing it. He’s one of the best player, maybe the most consistent player we have throughout this season. He keeps showing up every day.
“We find ourself in a great friendship because we are very similar as people. We are humble. We try to do our best on court. Off court we are just very simple people.
“His support meant so much to me and some other players. Whoever supported me in this period, I really, really appreciate that. Yeah, for me it was very good. It was positive energy.
“It was good with him to practice in Monaco couple of weeks ago. I’ve always been his biggest fan. When I cannot play or when he’s still in a tournament, I wish him only the best.
“Of course things are a little bit more competitive now because he’s in the position where he is, top-five player. But it doesn’t really matter because off court we have a great friendship and we will keep that for sure. I’m very sure that we will keep that throughout our whole careers.
“He’s a very, very good human being, very genuine. All things he said is coming back to him because he’s a good man.”
