‘Surprised’ Jannik Sinner reacts to WADA demanding a hefty ban on him while appealing against his innocence to CAS
Jannik Sinner admits he is surprised and disappointed that WADA appealed his doping case to CAS after the ITIA's favorable ruling.
Jannik Sinner (Image via X)
Jannik Sinner has revealed that he was surprised and disappointed that the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed his doping case. The World No. 1 is aiming to defend his China Open title after two victories in Beijing.
Sinner was found to be of “no fault or negligence” despite twice testing positive for clostebol in March. The World No. 1 successfully defended to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that the banned substance entered his body after his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi had used an over-the-counter spray with a cut in his hand.
The ITIA only stripped Sinner of his Indian Wells prize money and ranking points, with no further sanctions. Sinner, on several occasions, admitted his innocence about the doping case. However, WADA confirmed on Saturday (September 28) that it has submitted its appeal to the Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS) against the ITIA’s ruling regarding Sinner’s case.
At the China Open, after beating Roman Safiullin in the second round, he revealed that the ITIA ruling was very positive for him but was surprised that WADA appealed his doping case.
Well, we cannot control everything, no? Obviously I’m very disappointed and also surprised of this appeal, to be honest, because we had three hearings. All three hearings came out very positively for me. You know, I was not expecting it. I knew it a couple of days ago, that they were going to appeal, that today it’s going to go official, so. But yeah, it’s surprise. We always talk about the same thing. Maybe they just want to make sure that everything is in the right position. Yeah, I’m just surprised that they appealed.
Jannik Sinner said via China Open press
Sinner is seeking his seventh title of the season at the China Open after beating Safiullin 3-6, 6-2, 6-3. It was the Italian 57th win of the season, tied with Alexander Zverev for the most victories in the ATP this year.
Jannik Sinner determined to raise the level of his game after second consecutive comeback victory at the China Open
Jannik Sinner has admitted that he will need to raise the level of his game after coming from behind to beat Roman Safiullin in three sets. In his opening match in Beijing, the Italian had to rally from behind Nicolas Jarry 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.
The 23-year-old has been the best player this season, with six titles to boast for it. He is now on a 13-match winning streak. He last lost a tour-level match at the Canadian Open in August against Andrey Rublev. He is now hoping to perform better than in his two first matches at the China Open
If I want to win this tournament, I need to raise my level. This is also our goal. I think I play after tomorrow. So I have a rest day. 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
Sinner has now reached at least the quarterfinals of every tournament he has played in this season. The World No.1 will be looking forward to strengthening his lead at the top of the ATP rankings.
Victor Okechukwu
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