Doping controversies have not harmed tennis but commissioner needed, John McEnroe says

MELBOURNE – Recent doping controversies involving top players have not damaged tennis’ reputation but having a single commissioner for the sport would go a long way towards clearing up any confusion surrounding cases, John McEnroe said.

Men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner failed two drug tests in March for trace amounts of the anabolic steroid clostebol, but was cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent tribunal that accepted his explanation of unintentional contamination.

Women’s No. 2 Iga Swiatek accepted a one-month ban in November after a positive test for hormone and metabolic modulator trimetazidine, which she said was the result of contamination of her sleep medication.

“I don’t think it (the cases) has done any damage because if you look, it’s way worse in the other sports,” McEnroe, a former world No. 1 turned ESPN broadcaster, said ahead of the Jan 12-26 Australian Open.

“In my opinion, tennis is cleaner than any other sport. Now that doesn’t mean there are not issues.”

The 65-year-old added that confusion stemming from the timing of the release of information, like Sinner’s positive test at March’s Indian Wells tournament not being made public until just before the US Open began in August, made matters worse.

“That part I really don’t like,” he said.

Rennae Stubbs, a former player, current coach and ESPN commentator, said players are tested “all the time” and that a commissioner could help increase transparency when a positive test arises.

“We need a commissioner of tennis that actually gets out there and speaks on behalf of players to defend or not defend them,” she said. “The bottom line is we have no one talking for them.”

McEnroe said he had long advocated for a commissioner and had been “ready, willing and able” to take the job.

“If I wasn’t the commissioner, there still should be a commissioner,” he said.

“It doesn’t look like it’s ever going to happen because people are too busy. These tournaments protect their own interests. They care about themselves, they don’t care enough about the sport.

“So it’s too bad. But nonetheless, if it’s not me, it should be someone else.”

In other news, Nick Kyrgios – who had strongly criticised the handling of the Sinner and Swiatek cases – pulled out of an exhibition match with Novak Djokovic citing an abdominal strain on Jan 8.

It cast doubt on whether he will be fit for the Australian Open.

The polarising Australian made his return to tennis after 18 months last week in Brisbane following knee surgery and wrist reconstruction.

He crashed out in the first round after three tough sets against rising French star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and conceded afterwards he was in pain.

Kyrgios also played two doubles matches with Djokovic and was due to face the Serb in a charity singles match on Jan 9 at Melbourne Park’s Rod Laver Arena.

“Unfortunately won’t be able to play my good friend this Thursday as I’ve had an ultrasound on my abdominal and have a Grade 1 strain,” he wrote on Instagram.

“Will be resting and doing everything I can to be OK by the Aus Open.” REUTERS, AFP