Nadal condemns destruction of 211 blood bags from doping investigation Operation Puerto that allows cheats to go unnamed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.World number five Rafael Nadal has criticised the decision of a Spanish court to destroy more than 200 blood bags seized during Operation Puerto - and therefore allow those involved to remain nameless.
Madrid judge Julia Santamaria earlier this week ordered the destruction of 211 bags of blood and other evidence seized in police raids on Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes in 2006, citing privacy laws. Fuentes has been given a suspended one-year jail sentence.
Fuentes confirmed in court he had clients from other sports, including tennis, football and athletics, but not that they had been involved in doping.
Eleven-time major winner Nadal was far from happy with the outcome and felt the only people who will have been content were the doping cheats.
"I'm not one to judge," he said at a press conference ahead of next week's ATP Mutua Madrid Open.
"My opinion is that the resolution is not good for anyone.
"The only ones who are benefiting are those who have cheated and it seems unfair that, in a case as serious and damaging as this to the image of sport, those most affected are the Spanish and the sport.
"I personally find it unfair to not give the names of those who have cheated, whether Spanish or not.
"(Spanish NBA star) Jose (Calderon) and I know the impression this gives of our country, and it is not what you expect."
He added: "I think the most positive thing is that you stop talking about it.
"I think it's a mistake not to give the names of those who have cheated - they deserve at least contempt from all athletes.
"This has not happened and now we must work to make the sport 100 per cent clean and hope that, in the future, cases of this type are not repeated."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments