"Must have been an absolute nightmare" - Andy Murray's ex-coach hails Casper Ruud's thoughtful response to Jannik Sinner doping saga

Andy Murray's ex-coach Daniel Vallverdu has praised Casper Ruud for his prudent approach in assessing Jannik Sinner's doping case. Ruud initially expressed skepticism about the situation but later acknowledged that after reviewing the released documents, he believed there was "no discrimination."

In a recent interview with TV2 Norway, Ruud revealed his thoughts on Sinner's drug row. Back in March, Sinner tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug called Clostebol on two occasions, and his initial suspensions did not last because his immediate appeals were accepted.

Further, the ITIA and an independent tribunal conducted investigations and cleared the Italian of any wrongdoings.

Ruud admitted that initially, he felt that there was some foul play involved in Sinner's case. However, once he understood the procedures in this type of case, he realized that there was no discrimination.

"If you have read the documents and understand the process in this type of case, then you understand that there is no discrimination here," Ruud said (translated from Norwegian).

Further, the 25-year-old also noted that not many other athletes in similar situations had believable reasoning in quick time.

"What Sinner has done well, in order to defend himself, is that he managed to find an explanation within 15 days after testing positive. He understood quite quickly where it came from," he added.

Vallverdu, who has coached Andy Murray, Juan Martín del Potro, and Grigor Dimitrov, hailed Ruud's explanation. The Venezuelan tennis coach was also happy for Sinner.

"Hit the nail on the head Casper Ruud People form opinions without taking the time to read or understand fully what happened or how the process was managed. Glad this is behind Jannik Sinner and his team. Must have been an absolute nightmare," Vallverdu wrote on X.

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"Something I know Jannik Sinner thinks about" - Casper Ruud reflects on the vulnerability of athletes

During his interview with TV2 Norway, Casper Ruud also talked about the amount of the banned substance that was found in Jannik Sinner's body. He suggested that "good doctors" might have validated Sinner's explanation and deemed it "credible." Ruud also emphasized the vulnerability of athletes, who live under constant scrutiny and are at risk of unintentional doping violations.

"In a restaurant, both the chef and the waiter can put things in your food, if they have something against you. I feel it myself. I live under strict supervision, and it's something I think about, and something I know Jannik Sinner thinks about. As a performer, you are extremely exposed," he said.

Sinner's doping controversy was made public before his US Open campaign. However, the World No.1 did not let it affect his performances as he went on to capture the title. Next, he will play at the China Open in Beijing.