Italian Tennis Federation President gives insights into the mental strength of Jannik Sinner despite ‘inhuman stress’ of his infamous doping scandal

The WADA's appeal on Jannik Sinner's doping case is scheduled for a hearing at the CAS this April.

Italian Tennis Federation President gives insights into the mental strength of Jannik Sinner despite ‘inhuman stress’ of his infamous doping scandal

Angelo Binaghi and Jannik Sinner (via X)

At the age of 23, Jannik Sinner defended his Australian Open title by defeating second seed Alexander Zverev in straight sets in the finals. This triumph marks the third Grand Slam for the World No. 1. Sinner who has now taken a break for a while, withdrawing from the Rotterdam Open 2025 where he initially planned to defend his title.

Further ahead this year awaits the WADA’s (World Anti-Doping Agency) appeal hearing at the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) on Sinner’s case. The appeal is scheduled for a hearing in April 2025, and if it’s decision is ruled against Sinner’s favor, the Italian could face a ban from the sport for up to two years.

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Angelo Binaghi, who is the President of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP) since 2001, has weighed in on the doping case, standing strongly and unequivocally in support of Jannik Sinner. He described how Sinner is always on news and deals with immense pressure at a very young age. On the court, everyone is looking to beat the World No. 1 and off the court the hearing of his doping case looms.

FS Video

Jannik is experiencing almost inhuman stress. And we are talking about a 23-year-old young man, subjected to maximum pressure everywhere. On the court, where everyone wants to beat him. Off the court, because there is a judgment pending at CAS for which I am absolutely optimistic, but which could theoretically devastate his career.

Angelo Binaghi via la Repubblica

He expressed how Sinner can’t really live anymore- he can’t get a Coke at the bar or ask where the bathroom is. And yet he’s too available to everyone- he smiles, signs autographs and gives selfies without ever denying himself. Binaghi reiterated how Sinner has the right to leisure, to go on vacation, to argue with his friends and to fall in love, too. Even more so because of the choices Sinner made at thirteen that took away many things from him.

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Jannik Sinner tested positive twice for clostebol in 2024

Despite clinching two Grand Slams and being the first Italian to achieve the World No. 1 ranking, Jannik Sinner’s 2024 season was marred by his doping controversy. In March 2024, after the Indian Wells tournament, Jannik Sinner, tested positive twice for clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner at Indian Wells 2024 (via X)

The Italian has maintained his innocence throughout the case, stating that he had never intentionally used any performance-enhancing substances. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) launched an investigation, which attributed the positive test results to accidental contamination from a spray used by Sinner’s physiotherapist.

Based on this evidence, an independent tribunal ruled that Sinner bore no fault or negligence, enabling him to continue competing on the ATP tour without a suspension. However, despite the ITIA’s ruling, WADA appealed the decision to the CAS in September 2024. The appeal is scheduled for an April 2025 hearing.

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The tennis community’s reaction to this case has been varied, while many have stood in support for Sinner, several others such as Nick Kyrgios have been openly critical of Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek‘s doping cases.