The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has submitted a formal appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the decision to clear world No.1 Jannik Sinner of any wrongdoing after he failed two anti-doping tests earlier this year.
Sinner recently removed two members from his camp after controversy surrounding his two failed anti-doping tests earlier this year. However, The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) concluded that he had no fault or negligence. The world No.1 tested positive for the banned substance clostebol twice but managed to prove to officials that it was caused by an accidental contamination. Preventing him from being suspended from the sport.
It was revealed that physio Giacomo Naldi used a spray for a cut on his finger that contained the banned drug. He then treated Sinner without gloves which is how the substance was transferred. Meanwhile, former trainer Umberto Ferrara is said to have supplied Naldi with the spray. Shortly before this year’s US Open, both Naldi and Ferrara were fired from Sinner’s team due to a lack of confidence in them.
However, the WADA is appealing against the ITIA’s decision which they describe as ‘not correct under the applicable rules.’ The organization is seeking a ban for the tennis star of up to two years.
“The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirms that on Thursday 26 September, it lodged an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the case of Italian tennis player, Jannik Sinner, who was found by an independent tribunal of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) to bear no fault or negligence having twice tested positive for clostebol, a prohibited substance, in March 2024.” A WADA statement reads.
“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.”
The publication of the press release coincided with Sinner playing his second match at the China Open against Russia’s Roman Safiullin. The Italian has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and insisted that he never deliberately used any banned substance.
Sinner has been one of the standout stars of the 2024 season, winning both the Australian Open and US Open titles. Overall, he has won six ATP events since January and currently has a 4305-point lead in the rankings.
There is yet to be any response from the Italian or his team regarding the WADA appeal. Furthermore, no timeframe has been provided about how long the appeal will take or when a decision will be made.
Sinner will be allowed to play no matter what until a decision is made by the WADA.
