‘Disappointed’ Jannik Sinner expresses frustration over WADA’s decision to appeal ITIA’s ruling of giving him a clean chit in drug saga
Jannik Sinner tested positive for Clostebol in March but was acquitted last month after a detailed investigation by the ITIA found him innocent.
Jannik Sinner (Image via AP)
Jannik Sinner cannot catch a break. The top-ranked tennis player was recently acquitted of doping allegations by an independent tribunal of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). He had tested positive on two separate occasions for Clostebol, a substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Just as he could breathe a sigh of relief, the organization decided to turn the heat up.
WADA confirmed it intends to appeal the ITIA’s decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on September 26. Following this news, Jannik Sinner released a statement sharing his thoughts on WADA’s decision to appeal.
I am disappointed to hear that WADA have chosen to appeal the result of my ITIA hearing after the independent judges had exonerated me and deemed me to be innocent. Over the past few months and throughout this process, there have been three separate hearings in each case confirming my innocence.
Jannik Sinner released a statement
The current world number 1 ranked tennis player could not believe that despite there being no proof of him intentionally consuming the substance, the premier anti-doping agency refuses to believe him.
Jannik Sinner failed two drug tests in March, one during a tournament in Indian Wells, California, and a subsequent test held eight days later. The substance in question, Clostebol entered his system as a result of a massage from his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi.
Sinner’s defense was that his fitness trainer, Umberto Ferrara had purchased an OTC spray that contained the substance in Italy and gave it to Naldi who happened to apply it on a cut finger which led to it entering his system. He has since fired both of them.
Jannik Sinner is surprised at WADA’s decision to appeal his innocence
He further went on to state that throughout the investigations and interviews with three senior judges in formal hearings, the process was as formal as it should have been.
They issued an in-depth judgement explaining why they determined me not a fault, with clear evidence provided and my cooperation throughout.
Jannik Sinner added
The ruling took into account the facts provided by Sinner and the results from his drug test. This is why he was surprised at WADA’s decision to appeal the decision as the entire process was entirely done by the book.
The Italian Anti-Doping Agency accepted the results of the ITIA and both of them waived their rights to appeal. The soundness of the investigation was never in question.
Jannik Sinner believes by approaching a different set of judges and presenting the same facts to them, WADA is dragging out this matter unnecessarily.
I understand these things need to be thoroughly investigated to maintain the integrity of the sport we all love. However, it is difficult to see what will be gained by asking a different set of three judges to look at the same facts and documentation all over again.
Jannik Sinner on the appeal by WADA
While WADA has instituted an appeal, the date on which it will commence is yet to be decided.
Statement from Jannik Sinner pic.twitter.com/irPw1bkeTa
— Michal Samulski (@MichalSamulski) September 28, 2024
He remains confident that despite the appeal in front of CAS, the outcome of the process will not be different. Jannik Sinner will fully cooperate with the process and provide all the details necessary to prove his innocence.
WADA’s contention remains that they are not doubting Sinner’s story, but they believe that he deserves some of the blame. The matter is likely to take months to resolve but luckily for Sinner, he is free to play until the CAS declares otherwise.
Sumedh Joshi
(1914 Articles Published)