Is Jannik Sinner allowed to play until CAS takes a decision on his case?

Jannik Sinner tested positive for Clostebol in March but was acquitted last month after a detailed investigation by the ITIA found him innocent.

Is Jannik Sinner allowed to play until CAS takes a decision on his case?

Jannik Sinner (Image via X)

In the early hours of Saturday (September 28), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) revealed that it had appealed Jannik Sinner’s doping case to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). However, the Italian will continue to play on the Tour until CAs final decision about the doping case.

In August, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) revealed that Sinner twice tested positive for Clostebol in March. The 23-year-old immediately appealed the case which led to the tennis authority setting up an independent tribunal to investigate the case. Sinner laid out in his defense that the banned anabolic steroid entered his system while his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi used an over-the-counter spray to massage him.

The Italian was found to be of “no fault or negligence” by the ITIA and was only stripped of his Indian Wells Masters prize money and ranking points. Despite that, he retained his World No. 1 position. He also maintained, on several occasions, that he was innocent and parted ways with Naldi.

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WADA, in its appeal regarding Sinner’s doping case, revealed that the “no fault or negligence” findings were not correct under applicable rules, and it is seeking a one or two-year suspension for the 23-year-old.

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Jannik Sinner

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.

WADA released a statement

Sinner will continue playing on the Tour despite WADA’s appeal. Although there is no confirmation as to when CAS would give its ruling. Reports suggest it might take up to a year.

Jannik Sinner admits he has to get into his rhythm to win the next round of the China Open

Jannik Sinner has admitted that he must raise the level of his game if he has to win the China Open. The World No.1 has come from behind in his opening two matches in Beijing. He beat Russia’s Roman Safiullin 3-6 6-2 6-3 to earn a place in the quarterfinals of the event.

China Open Men's singles draw
Jannik Sinner (Image via X)

The victory also means that the 23-year-old has reached the quarterfinals of every tour-level tournament he has competed in. Also, he is on a 13-match winning streak and last lost a match at the Canadian Open. However, at the China Open, he is hoping to find his rhythm.

I’ll try to get into my rhythm. If I want to win my next round, I have to raise my level. But also today was a high level match. He’s an incredible player. We’ve always had great battles. Let’s see what’s coming.

Jannik Sinner said during his on-court interview
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Jannik Sinner and Paul McNamee (A Sport/ Herald Sport)

Jannik Sinner has equaled Alexander Zverev’s winning record of the year after picking his 57th win of the season. He will face Czech Republic star Jiri Lecheka in the quarterfinals for a place in the last four.