The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has declared its intention to contest the “no fault or negligence” ruling in tennis player Jannik Sinner’s anti-doping case. WADA is calling for a “period of ineligibility of one or two years” which would effectively ban Sinner, a two-time Grand Slam champion and world number one, from participating in professional tennis at any level. Sinner, currently competing at the China Open in Beijing, expressed surprise and disappointment at WADA’s decision, noting that the decision to appeal followed three positive hearings on his behalf.
In a detailed statement, Sinner revealed that three separate hearings, including interviews and an extensive investigation conducted by senior judges, concluded his innocence. The Italian anti-doping authority and the ITIA accepted this verdict and decided against filing an appeal. Despite this, Sinner acknowledged the importance of a “thorough investigation”. However, he questioned why the process had to be reopened as he was declared not at fault.
Sinner’s doping charges relate to two separate positive tests for the banned anabolic steroid, clostebol, in March, during the BNP Paribas Open held in Indian Wells, California. An independent tribunal, conducted by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) and Sports Resolutions, confirmed Sinner had committed two doping violations. This led to him forfeiting ranking points, prize money, and the results of the event. Despite this, the tribunal ruled that Sinner bore “no fault or negligence” for these positive tests.
Both violations originated from a healing spray brought to Indian Wells by Sinner’s physiotherapist, Umberto Ferrara, which contained Clostebol. After another of Sinner’s physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, cut his hand, he used the spray on the wound. This subsequently led to transdermal contamination when Naldi massaged Sinner. Naldi and Ferrara ceased working with Sinner prior to the U.S. Open.
WADA challenged the ruling that Sinner shouldn’t bear guilt for these violations. They believe the “no fault or negligence” verdict did not reflect the true nature of the situation. Consequently, they are pushing to suspend Sinner from professional tennis for between one and two years. They aren’t seeking further disqualifications, other than those already imposed by ITIA.
In response, an ITIA spokesperson vouched for the decision, acknowledging WADA’s authority to appeal such cases. The spokesperson noted that the trial followed the World Anti-Doping Code’s outline and the agency will respect WADA’s decision to refer the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Meanwhile, the tennis community and fans are waiting to see the outcome, considering Sinner’s recent victory at the U.S. Open and his position as world number one.
