Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1, tested positive for clostebol in March but the news was not revealed until August. Following an appeal, he was cleared of any wrongdoing, leading to questions about the decision by the Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
“Obviously I’m very disappointed and also surprised about this appeal because we had three hearings.”
Jannik Sinner
Now, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is challenging the ITIA’s decision and calling for a ban of ‘between one and two years’ for Sinner’s use of the prohibited substance clostebol. Sinner claimed that his physio masseuses inadvertently rubbed the substance into him during treatment, a claim that was accepted in his appeal.
Despite WADA’s appeal, Sinner was cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent tribunal in August before winning the US Open. WADA is seeking a ban but not a disqualification of results already imposed by the ITIA.
Sinner is currently defending his China Open title in Beijing, and after reaching the quarter-finals, he is set to face Jiri Lehecka for a spot in the semi-finals.
Upon learning of the development, Sinner expressed his disappointment and surprise at the appeal, as all previous hearings had been positive for him. The ITIA concluded that Sinner was accidentally contaminated by his support team during treatment.
The inconsistency of the ITIA has been highlighted, particularly in comparison to the case of Simona Halep, who received a four-year ban before it was reduced to two. Other players, like Denis Shapovalov and Nick Kyrgios, have criticized the ITIA for what they perceive as different treatment for different players.
