The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced its intention to appeal the decision of “no fault or negligence” in the anti-doping case of Jannik Sinner.
WADA is pushing for a suspension of one to two years for the world No. 1 tennis player and two-time Grand Slam champion, preventing him from competing at any level. Sinner recently won the U.S. Open in New York.
Sinner, currently competing in the China Open in Beijing, expressed surprise at WADA’s appeal.
“I’m very disappointed and surprised by this appeal because we had three positive hearings. All three hearings ruled in my favor,” he informed reporters after defeating Roman Safiullin in Beijing.
Regarding the need for a rigorous investigation, Sinner acknowledged its importance and pledged full cooperation, questioning the need for revisiting the process.
Initially testing positive for clostebol, an anabolic steroid, on two occasions, Sinner’s innocence was confirmed in three separate hearings. Despite the positive outcome, WADA is challenging the decision that Sinner was not at fault.
The Italian player blamed his physiotherapist for inadvertently using a spray containing clostebol, leading to the positive tests.
WADA’s appeal will be heard at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The ITIA responded by respecting WADA’s right to appeal the ruling.
Throughout the investigation, Sinner maintained his innocence and expressed relief when the ordeal finally came to an end. However, the news of WADA’s appeal brings fresh challenges.