Rafael Nadal responds to the drug scandal involving Jannik Sinner, but not everyone concurs

Sinner tested positive for the steroid clostebol twice, which is used to increase muscular growth.

However, a panel controversially decided to free him after learning that the player's physiotherapist had sprayed a cut on his hand before massaging it with his bare hands. It was claimed that this resulted in "contamination."

The Italian was immediately given a provisional suspension, but he was able to continue competing and rise to the top of the ATP world rankings after winning his appeal.

Sinner has now been exonerated of any wrongdoing and is the obvious favourite to win the US Open after Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz's shocking withdrawals.

Nonetheless, a number of players, both current and former, have questioned Sinner's treatment by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) as being preferential.

Ahead of his quarterfinal matchup with Daniil Medvedev, some people argue that they are clearing him of all charges, and this narrative is unlikely to die.

Talkative tennis player Nick Kyrgios from Australia told Sinner that he "should be gone for two years." Denis Shapovalov from Canada said, "Can't imagine what every other player that got banned for contaminated substances is feeling right now."

In a recent interview, Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner who was sidelined by physical concerns at the US Open this year, defended Sinner.