Jannik Sinner’s recent doping controversy has sparked widespread attention, especially following the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) decision to appeal a ruling that initially cleared him. WADA announced last month that it seeks a ban of one to two years for the two-time Grand Slam champion, clarifying that the ban would not be backdated, meaning the San Candido native could retain his second Grand Slam title even if found guilty.
The announcement was made during Sinner’s match against Roman Safiullin at the China Open in Beijing. After winning, the 23-year-old addressed the development, stating, “Obviously, I’m very disappointed and surprised by this appeal… because we had three hearings. All three hearings came out very positively for me.” The Italian positive results for the steroid Clostebol in March were initially dismissed by an independent tribunal, which found he was not at fault. However, WADA’s appeal suggests they believe this ruling requires stricter scrutiny.
Jannik Sinner opens up
In an interview with Sky Sport Uno in Italy, Sinner highlighted the importance of his team and his focus on his game throughout this ordeal:
“There are many things that happened in this period that I tried to put aside and understand what is the right thing to do at that moment. I’m talking about myself now. I have to thank my team that was close to me the whole time because I needed it… I always dedicate [wins] to the people who are close to me, because without them I don’t know how I could have overcome all of this.”
“I’m happy with how I handled it because it was very difficult. But the moment I go on the court and put on my cap, for me only the tennis ball exists. On the court, I feel safe. Then we saw that it is difficult to play like that, but that is another matter. But I feel safe.”
Analysis of the Case
The ITIA ruled on August 20 that Sinner bore “no fault or negligence” after positive tests for Clostebol were traced to a spray used by his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, who inadvertently transferred minute amounts of the steroid to Sinner while treating him. As a result, the Italian lost prize money and ranking points from Indian Wells but avoided further sanctions.
WADA’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) now seeks a ban for the 23-year-old, who has agreed to cooperate fully. The outcome, expected within months, could impact his career, and the season starts in January. Hence, that means that Sinner may not be in Australia to defend his Melbourne crown. The 23-year-old defeated Daniil Medvedev in five sets to win the title this year.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
