Andrey Rublev empathized with Jannik Sinner when he heard that the Italian had tested positive for clostebol. In an interview, the Russian praised Sinner for the way he handled everything and won trophies despite going through probably the most turbulent time of his career.

Sinner tested positive for the banned drug in March but the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) made the incident public in August, leading to a furore in the tennis community. That a high-profile player avoided a ban despite being tested twice divided the tennis world, and Sinner and the ITIA had to deal with loads of criticism.

Rublev however understands the situation. The ITIA in its verdict concluded that Sinner bore no fault or negligence as a small amount of the drug entered his body accidentally. Rublev pointed out that what happened to Sinner could happen to any other innocent player.

Sinner, even though he was in the midst of the controversy, went on to win three singles titles, including the US Open, which he lifted just a few days after ITIA released his doping report. The 23-year-old then ended his season by defending the Davis Cup with Italy.

Even if players consume a banned drug unintentionally, a lengthy ban imposed on them means they remain on the sidelines for years. It affects their careers and sometimes ruins them completely which is why Andrey Rublev wants these organizations to understand such situations before making decisions.

While Sinner played his last match of this year at the Davis Cup, Rublev wrapped up his season at the ATP Finals. The 27-year-old lost all three group-stage matches, with his match against Casper Ruud being his last match of the season. The World No. 8 was 43-26 in 2024 and won two titles.