Casper Ruud sheds light on comments regarding Jannik Sinner's doping case - "I just wanted to say that I never said that"

Former World No.2 Casper Ruud found himself having to clarify comments he made regarding World No.1 Jannik Sinner, following news of the Italian's three-month ban as a result of a doping violation.

Sinner tested positive for banned substances at last year's Indian Wells event, causing him to lose points and prize money obtained at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament. Subsequently, the Australian Open champion has been in a legal battle over his role in the doping scandal, with the case finally coming to a conclusion last weekend.

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Ruud claims previous comments were misconstrued

Several tennis players have given their opinion on whether Sinner received preferential treatment on the ruling due to his superstar status. Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been engaged in a mostly one-sided beef with Sinner, constantly calling out the World No.1 on his alleged transgressions.

Nonetheless, it was reported by news outlet Le Parisien that Ruud had thrown his support behind Sinner, based on some comments made by the Norwegian.

"I know Jannik very well, he's a good guy. I'm with him," Le Parisien reported Ruud as saying. However, the former Roland Garros finalist took to social media to clarify his remarks.

"Hey Guys! I just wanted to say that I never said that." began Ruud. "I was asked about the case last week and I simply said that I had no comment to make because I had not read the full statement at that time. This is very bad journalism, which is not trustworthy.
"However, I think Jannik is a good guy. I'm sure I will be asked again at the media day in Acapulco next weekend, so any other statement you may read from me will, I hope, be correct at that time. This mistake is solely made by Le Parisien."

Ruud is scheduled to compete at the Mexican Open in Acapulco, which runs from February 24-March 1, 2025.

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