The head of the Italian Tennis Federation believes the vast majority of people understand what happened to Jannik Sinner earlier this year apart from a few ‘imbeciles.’
The world No.1 failed two anti-doping tests during the first half of this season after testing positive for the anabolic steroid clostebol. An independent investigation was launched into the matter which cleared Sinner of wrongdoing after a panel concluded that he didn’t deliberately consume the substance. It was accepted that the tennis star managed to get clostebol in his system due to his former physio using Trofodermin on his hands before treating him. Trofodermin is available over the counter in Italy and contains clostebol.
However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has launched an appeal against the verdict to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). They argue the decision was ‘not correct under the applicable rules’ and are seeking a ban of between one and two years for Sinner. They believe the tennis star has some degree of fault as he hired those involved in his failed drugs tests.
Angelo Binaghi, head of the Italian Tennis Federation, has lent his full support behind Sinner who will likely not know the outcome of his case until next year.
“Apart from a few imbeciles, people all around the world understand what happened,” Binaghi told The Associated Press. “No matter what type of decision is issued, there’s no doubt that Sinner is one of the cleanest and most honest athletes in world sport.”
Sinner has always denied any wrongdoing and stopped working with the two individuals involved in his positive drugs tests – Giacomo Naldi and Umberto Ferrara. Naldi was the person using Trofodermin for a cut on his hand which was given to him by Ferrara.
“We don’t know nothing yet,” Sinner said at the ATP Finals earlier this week. “Look, I’ve been in this position three times now already, so it’s not that great a place to be. But it always came out very positively so I’m very positive.”
Should the worst happen and Sinner is suspended, one of his key sponsors has indicated they will continue working with him. Coffee manufacturer Lavazza currently has the 23-year-old as one of their global ambassadors.
“The (doping case) shocked us. Then, like everyone else, we realized that it was a mishap,” Lavazza vice-chairman Marco Lavazza told Il Giornale. “But I don’t have any doubts over who Jannik Sinner is.”
As for Sinner’s peers on the Tour, most have refrained from weighing in on WADA’s appeal. Alex de Minaur said he was ‘just a tennis player’ when asked about the subject following his clash with the Italian in Turin on Sunday. Although he did praise Sinner’s work ethic.
“As for Jannik, I can only say on what I know of him as a person. Even though he’s kicked my ass seven times now, he’sa great guy. We shared a lot of moments on the court together. Him and his team, I’ve got a lot of respect for.” He said.
Sinner is bidding to become the first player from his country to win the ATP Finals this year. He has won his first two group matches against de Minaur and Taylor Fritz without dropping a set.
