Denis Shapovalov did not hold back after the recent news about Jannik Sinner’s doping tests rocked the tennis world. Sinner, who tested positive for anabolic steroids twice in March, will not be banned, according to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

Instead, he will only lose the prize money of $325,000 and 400 ranking points from Indian Wells, where the first positive test occurred. Like many others, Shapovalov is questioning the ITIA’s decision, especially since players have been punished much more harshly for similar offenses in the past.

On X, Shapovalov expressed his displeasure at the bias of the ITIA decision with five words that summarize many current opinions.

The Canadian then went beyond those five words and added another tweet that may remind many of cases involving players like Simona Halep and Maria Sharapova in the past.

The controversy is heating up, with fans and players alike raising doubts about the fairness of the ruling. Sinner’s case, in which the ITIA found that the substances entered his body “accidentally”, has left many in the tennis community baffled.

Sinner released a statement online about the governing body’s decision, expressing his disappointment and saying he wanted to put the matter behind him.

“I will now put this challenging and deeply unhappy time behind me. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure that I comply with the ITIA anti-doping program, and I have a team around me that is very conscientious about its own compliance,” The world number 1 was quoted in an official press release.

Fan reactions have been equally heated, with many believing that Sinner is getting off lightly due to his status as a rising star and the perceived favoritism shown to top players. Some have pointed out that the consequences would likely have been far more severe had it been a lower-ranked player.

The ITIA’s decision is widely perceived as biased and sparks a debate about whether tennis federations are protecting their stars at the expense of fairness. Nick Kyrgios has not spared tennis federations either, fueling this discussion on social media among active players.

Kyrgios spoke with Shapovalov about double standards in tennis

Kyrgios, who is not afraid to speak his mind, chimed in on the conversation. The Australian echoed Shapovalov’s concerns about Sinner. Both players have been embroiled in their own controversies and feel they have been treated more harshly in the past for their actions.

Kyrgios’ tweet added fuel to the fire and highlighted the perceived double standards in the way tennis associations treat different players.

However, it is not only Kyrgios and Shapovalov who have commented on this decision. Several other tennis players have also expressed their opinion online.

The decision would be a relief for Sinner and his team ahead of the US Open. But as the tennis world prepares for more drama on and off the court, it’s clear that this problem isn’t going away anytime soon.