Jannik Sinner at the China Open. (Image: Getty)
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has confirmed it has appealed the decision to allow to continue playing profession tennis despite failing a drugs test. Ina released statement, the authority said that the initial finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ on Sinner’s part was incorrect.
On August 20, it was announced Sinner had received an anti-doping sanction and been stripped of his money and ranking points from the Indian Wells tournament in March, due to testing positive for Clostebol.
However, he avoided a suspension after successfully arguing to the International Tennis Integrity Agency that his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, had used a spray containing Clostebol to treat himself, and then administered massages to Sinner without using gloves.
“The World Anti-Doping Agency confirms that on Thursday 26 September, it lodged an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in the case of Italian tennis player ,” they said. “Who was found by an independent tribunal of the International Tennis Integrity Agency to bear no fault or negligence having twice tested positive for clostebol, a prohibited substance, in March 2024.”
And in a warning that the 23-year-old could now be banned for as long as two years, they added: “It is WADA’s view that the finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ was not correct under the applicable rules. WADA is seeking a period of ineligibility of between one and two years.
“WADA is not seeking a disqualification of any results, save that which has already been imposed by the tribunal of first instance. As this matter is now pending before CAS, WADA will make no further comment at this time. “
Since news of his failed test, Sinner has won the US Open. (Image: Getty)
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It means that Sinner, who has since parted ways with Naldi, will still keep the Australian Open and US Open titles he won this year. However, the potential two-year suspension will serve as a hammer blow after a season that has seen him establish himself as the new world No.1
Sinner has admitted to receiving a frosty reception from fellow ATP Tour players since news of his failed test became public knowledge. And Nick Kyrgios has led a chorus of voices arguing he was given preferential treatement because of his superstar status.
But the Italian, who is currently competing in the China Open, has always insisted he is not guilty of wrongdoing. And he’s insisted he has adhered to snti-doping regulations throughout his career.
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“In my mind, I know that I haven’t done anything wrong,” Sinner previously said. “I always respect these rules, and I always will respect these rules, of anti-doping.”
Sinner, the top seed in Beijing, won through to the quarter-finals on Thursday after coming through a tough test with Nicolas Jarry 4-6 6-3 6-1. That win set up a Saturday clash with Russian Roman Safiullin.