### **Filippo Magnini’s Controversial Comments on Jannik Sinner’s Clostebol Case**
Former Italian swimmer Filippo Magnini has sparked controversy with his comments on Jannik Sinner’s doping case, suggesting that the tennis star received preferential treatment compared to his own experience. Speaking on the *Most Valuable Podcast*, Magnini drew parallels between his own battle with anti-doping authorities and Sinner’s recent three-month suspension for Clostebol.
Magnini, a two-time world champion in swimming, faced a lengthy legal battle after being accused of doping. He was initially banned for four years in 2018, despite never failing a drug test. After years of fighting, he was cleared of all charges in February 2020. However, the ordeal kept him away from the sport for years, and he claims that even after being exonerated, he is still waiting for compensation for the damages he suffered.
Comparing this to Sinner’s case, Magnini pointed out the striking difference in the handling of the two situations. “Jannik Sinner had a particular treatment, we can’t deny it,” he said. “I waited eight years, started the trial in 2017 and won on February 27, 2020, four years later. Jannik had the positivity on Tuesday and he had the sentence on Wednesday.”
Magnini acknowledged that he does not want to get into the technical details of Sinner’s case but stated that the Italian tennis star received favorable treatment. “He certainly had a little favored treatment,” Magnini claimed. He also criticized the media’s response, noting that while Sinner was largely protected by the press, he himself was “slaughtered” in public opinion during his doping case.
Despite these criticisms, Magnini made it clear that he supports Sinner and does not wish to attack him personally. In an Instagram post, he clarified, “I’m with Sinner. Anti-doping must not have an accusatory attitude towards the athlete.” His main concern appears to be the inconsistency in how different cases are handled, suggesting that the anti-doping system is flawed in its approach to athletes.
Sinner, who has maintained his innocence throughout the process, has largely avoided controversy despite his suspension. His case has been treated with a level of discretion that Magnini never experienced, leading to debates over whether high-profile athletes receive different treatment based on their status.
The comments from Magnini have fueled discussion about fairness in anti-doping cases, raising questions about how the system operates and whether all athletes truly receive equal treatment.