Jannik Sinner is now one of the hottest properties in tennis at the moment, as the number one-ranked player on the ATP tour, and having enjoyed the best year of his career thus far.
He has won his first two Grand Slam titles in emphatic fashion, alongside a whole host of other events, and stunned crowds with his bruising, no-nonsense brand of tennis.
However, his excellence was somewhat marred earlier in the year, when news emerged that threatened to throw his reputation into disrepute.
It was said that Sinner had tested positive for the steroid Clostebol, a charge that was swiftly refuted.
Regardless of the outcome, it has left a sour taste in the mouths of some onlookers, with one former player now feeling particularly aggrieved.
Guillermo Coria reacts to Jannik Sinner drugs case
Speaking to CLAY, Guillermo Coria did not hold back in his assessment of Sinner’s positive drugs test.
After all, he has a valid reason to be upset, having seen seven months of his career wiped out due to a similar positive test despite his protestations.
He has since revealed: ‘The positive doping test ruined me, I was at my best, then I came back with hatred.
‘I spent my savings to bring a team of psychologists from Spain to treat me and show my personality, I also hired a lie detector in the United States, I had a genetic study done that through my hair showed what I was consuming.
‘I showed how the drug entered my body, through a vitamin complex, which was not to take advantage, but when I got to the trial in Miami it was already decided.
‘I feel that I did not receive the same treatment as him. It was a difficult time for me, and I gave it closure because I did not have a good time. All I ask is for equal treatment for everyone.’
Jannik Sinner should not be punished for the mistakes of the past
Andy Roddick has predicted the length of Sinner’s ban, but that does not necessarily mean that he will certainly receive one.
Even if WADA are pushing hard to punish the 22-year-old.
Perhaps this should mark an opportunity to lessen the severity of such retribution, rather than double down on mistakes of the past.
Although it might seem like allowing Jannik Sinner a free pass, what his innocence would instead do is set a precedent going forward that allows players who are accused more grace to actually justify their position.
After all, tennis has too many examples of bans revoked after months have already been stolen from player’s careers.
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