NEW YORK – When Carlos Alcaraz answers in English about Jannik Sinner’s positive doping case, he smiles nervously and admits that explaining it in a language that is not his native language will be a difficult task: “I know it is a very difficult moment for him.”
Now able to speak in Spanish, Alcaraz faced the issue with greater ease during the run-up to the 2024 US Open.
“I think there is something behind all this that many people don’t know, including me. It’s very difficult to talk about it. He tested positive, but there must be a reason why they let him continue playing that we don’t know. I believe in a clean sport,” said the champion in New York in the 2022 edition.
“He has been acquitted, so we will have Jannik in the tournament,” he said in front of the media on the subject that has taken center stage on the tennis agenda.
Different rules for different players
— Denis Shapovalov (@denis_shapo) August 20, 2024
«Are there different rules for players on the circuit?» Suggestions of unequal treatment on the tour mentioned by players such as Denis Shapovalov or Nick Kyrgios are not shared by Alcaraz: «I don’t think there are different rules for different players.»
During the midday training session, Alcaraz set off the alarm after twisting his right ankle. He had to cut short the practice with the Argentine Francisco Cerúndolo as a precaution.
“My ankle is fine, it never crossed my mind that I would miss the tournament. I stopped as a precaution. I didn’t feel comfortable continuing training, and it was better to retire out of respect for Francisco,” he said.
A few hours later, the Spaniard appeared at Arthur Ashe Stadium to take part in the traditional Kids Day activities organised by the USTA. On the blue cement he showed off the good health of his foot by playing football tennis with Lorenzo Musetti, and kicking giant tennis balls towards a goal on the other side of the court.
He confirmed that he will practice at 100% of his capacity this Sunday, thinking about his debut this Tuesday against Australian Li Tu.
