Jannik Sinner 'doesn't deserve any of the hate' regarding doping scandal says Jack Draper as innocent verdict given

Jannik Sinner trained with Jack Draper ahead of his return to the tour over the next few weeks and the Brit has stood by the Italian as he prepares for likely more scrutiny when he returns. The World No.1 took a retrospective ban in February and will be out until early May.

Draper said though in a joint interview with BBC and The Guardian that he sees him as innocent and that he likely made a mistake during his ordeal. As well as that he doesn't deserve any of the hate that he gets.

"When people ask about Jannik I tell the truth – I think he is a really genuine, nice person and on top of that he is an unbelievable player," he said to BBC and The Guardian.

"In this situation I am sure he would have had absolutely zero idea of anything. That's the way life goes - sometimes there are mistakes.

"In terms of how I feel about him as a person I think it is important for people to know and recognise the guy is kind-hearted and a good human being. He doesn't deserve any of the hate he gets."

On training with Sinner, he detailed why he decided to help him out and said that he is looking forward to having his must missed presence back on the tour.

"I knew Jannik was available and in Monte Carlo on the clay so we organised with his team to go out there for three or four days and train with him," Draper said.

"If you're going to train with anyone it has got to be the best in the world, right? He's obviously had a bit of time off but he's playing at an incredible level still.

"It was great to be around him for a few days and get some good sparring. I'm looking forward to having him back on the tour because I think his presence has been missed."