Rafael Nadal’s uncle, Toni Nadal, has ignited a fresh debate about doping in tennis, claiming that some players are “not very clean.”
His comments come in the wake of Jannik Sinner’s recent three-month suspension for a doping violation.
Sinner accepted the suspension in a case resolution agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
The Italian player twice tested positive for clostebol in March 2024 but successfully appealed his provisional suspensions, arguing contamination through his physiotherapist.
While an independent tribunal accepted his explanation, WADA appealed, leading to the eventual three-month ban.
While WADA acknowledged Sinner did not intentionally cheat or benefit from the substance, the case has sparked controversy within the tennis world. Stan Wawrinka expressed disbelief in a clean sport, and Nick Kyrgios labeled the decision “putrid” and unfair.
Toni Nadal has now responded to those critical of Sinner, stating to Marca: “I’m surprised that different players have positioned themselves against it, even some at the highest level and some who are not very clean.”
He also voiced his disagreement with Sinner’s punishment, asserting that Sinner did not intentionally commit a crime.
Sinner is currently serving his suspension and has been seen attending events and pursuing other sports such as golf. He is scheduled to return to tennis in time for the Masters 1000 in Rome and the French Open.
