The World Anti-Doping Agency is not accepting the decision of the relevant tennis agency and is calling for Jannik Sinner to be suspended. Now the International Court of Justice for Sport has to decide.
Italy’s tennis star Jannik Sinner continues to face a suspension despite being cleared of two positive doping tests. The World Anti-Doping Agency Wada said it had appealed to the International Court of Justice for Sport Cas in Lausanne last Thursday.
Sinner, who is ranked number one in the world, tested positive twice in March for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol. The 23-year-old was not banned. The responsible tennis agency Itia justified the acquittal by stating that no intentional fault or negligence could be proven against the two-time Grand Slam tournament winner.
In Wada’s opinion, this finding is “not correct according to the applicable rules”. Wada, based in Montréal, Canada, is therefore calling for “a suspension of one to two years” for Sinner. However, the agency is not demanding any additional deletion of results in addition to those already ordered by the court of first instance. Sinner had won the US Open at the beginning of September.
Victory in Beijing despite the hustle and bustle
“Of course I am very disappointed and also surprised. I did not expect this,” said Sinner at the ATP tournament in Beijing. He had known for a few days that Wada had filed an appeal and that it would now be officially announced. “But yes, it’s still a surprise.” However, he is convinced of his innocence, Sinner emphasized.
He understands that a thorough investigation is needed, Sinner said in a statement issued by his management. “However, it is difficult to see what will be gained by having three other judges look again at the same facts and documentation.” He has nothing to hide and will fully cooperate.
He was not impressed by the news from a sporting point of view. After initial problems, he defeated the Russian Roman Safiullin 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the round of 16. With his 57th victory of the season, he drew level with the leader Alexander Zverev in this ranking.
Lack of understanding in the tennis world
Sinner had stated in a post on social media that the substance had entered his body through his physiotherapist’s hands. According to this, the therapist had used an over-the-counter clostebol-based spray in Italy to treat a cut on his finger.
