Lawyer explains why Jannik Sinner’s doping verdict will be ‘overturned’ after WADA appeal

The CAS is yet to give its verdict on Jannik Sinner's doping case and a top lawyer thinks the Italian could face a ban.

Lawyer explains why Jannik Sinner’s doping verdict will be ‘overturned’ after WADA appeal

Jannik Sinner (Image via X)

Jannik Sinner is waiting for the Court of Arbitration of Sport’s (CAS) verdict on his doping case. Top sports lawyer Tim Fuller believes that the verdict given by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) will be overturned.

Fuller, who is from Australia, represented swimmer Shayna Jack, whose system was contaminated by ligandrol. Despite unintentionally consuming the banned drug, she faced a 24-month ban. Sinner could also face a similar punishment as Fuller explained WADA’s reason behind its demand for a ban on the Italian.

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In my opinion, I believe that the no-fault or negligence decision will be overturned on appeal and a sanction will be imposed.

Tim Fuller told The Sydney Morning Herald

The World No. 1’s body was contaminated by clostebol twice. It happened because his then physio Giacomo Naldi, who was using a spray bought from Italy, massaged Sinner without wearing gloves. Fuller thinks Sinner’s case is ‘very, very unusual’.

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All WADA are really doing here is saying we accept that it is unintentional but you bear, or did bear, a certain degree of fault or negligence for what’s happened…we say that you, as the athlete, bear the ultimate responsibility – which is strict liability – and we say, therefore, you have demonstrated fault and negligence in your actions.

Tim Fuller added
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Jannik Sinner will have chance to defend Australian Open despite WADA appeal

Jannik Sinner‘s doping case is set to be heard by the CAS in February. This means he will have his chance to defend his Australian Open crown when the tournament begins on January 12.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Image via X)

Earlier this season, Sinner won his first Grand Slam in Melbourne with a five-set win over Daniil Medvedev. The 23-year-old then added another Major to his trophy cabinet at the US Open.

He won the ATP Finals and ended the season as year-end No. 1 player for the first time. The Italian is the most successful player in men’s tennis and if the CAS imposes a ban on him, it will then be seen how after missing months of tennis he reaches the top once again.

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Apart from Sinner, another high-profile player’s system was also contaminated by a banned substance. World No. 2 Iga Swiatek, to fight sleep and jet lag issues, was consuming melatonin and it had trimetazidine (TMZ), a banned heart medication. The five-time Grand Slam champion was handed a one-month ban which will end on December 4.