Jannik Sinner Faces Potential Ban After Positive Doping Tests
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed a ruling that cleared tennis player Jannik Sinner of wrongdoing, after he returned two positive tests for an anabolic steroid in March. Sinner, the current world No. 1 and recent US Open champion, could face a ban of up to two years. World No 1 Jannik Sinner is facing the renewed threat of a ban after the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) launched an appeal against a ruling of “no fault or negligence”
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) initially found Sinner not at fault after accepting his explanation that the banned substance entered his body through a massage from his physiotherapist. The physiotherapist had used a steroid-containing spray to treat a cut on their finger. However, WADA disagrees with this finding and has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
In a statement, WADA said: “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.”
The ITIA released a statement acknowledging WADA’s right to appeal the independent tribunal’s decision. Which was made according to World Anti-Doping Code guidelines.
Details of Jannik Sinner’s Positive Doping Tests
According to the ITIA, Sinner’s physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, applied an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol to treat a small wound on his finger. Naldi then administered massages to Sinner between March 5-13 without using gloves, inadvertently causing the banned substance to enter Sinner’s body.
Sinner has maintained his innocence throughout the process. Pointing out that the amount of clostebol found in his system was less than a billionth of a gram. However, explanation that J Sinner gave met with skepticism by some players, who have stated that his reasoning “made no sense”.
As of now, Sinner’s representatives have not commented on WADA’s appeal. Sinner is currently in Beijing defending his title at the China Open. He advanced to the quarterfinals on Saturday with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 win over Roman Safiullin.