Boris Becker has praised Carlos Alcaraz’s response to being questioned on Jannik Sinner’s ongoing doping saga.

Sinner tested positive for Clostebol in March but was cleared of the charge by an independent tribunal in August. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency have since appealed the verdict and called for the Italian to face a ban of at least one year.

The development is another distraction for Sinner to juggle off of the court, and he will be hoping that it does not prove an issue while he is competing at the China Open.

Alcaraz was asked about his rivals’ situation over the weekend, to which he replied: “It’s difficult. I know that is a really difficult point. I know everyone talking about it, the news, talking about it.

“Probably, as he said before New York, the people started to look at him in different way. I don’t know how it can be. But for sure I understand the position. I feel him.

“But anyway, the game and the level that he’s playing with everything he’s been through right now, it’s insane. He’s able to put all the things aside when he steps on the court, playing good tennis, is unbelievable.

“I hope that this thing, this term will be aside soon and he’s able to stay focused on what he loves, and that is playing tennis, trying to keep going. All I can say, I hope that with his people around, his close people and him, are not going to feel bad these next months.”

The 21-year-old’s mature response to such a complicated and tense situation has been lauded, with Becker among those to praise Alcaraz. He shared the quotes on X, formerly known as Twitter, with the caption: “Carlos is a class act!”