Paul McNamee reacts to ‘unexpected’ WADA’s appeal against Jannik Sinner’s doping decision as the anti-doping agency seeks hefty ban for the Italian
Paul McNamee reacted on social media to WADA's announcement, stating that the news has 'sent shockwaves' through the tennis world.
Jannik Sinner and Paul McNamee (A Sport/ Herald Sport)
Former Doubles World No.1 Paul McNamee expressed his take about WADA’s appeal of Jannik Sinner’s doping case. Sinner was previously found to be of “no fault or negligence” by the ITIA despite twice testing positive for Clostebol.
In August, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) revealed that the World No. 1 twice tested positive for banned steroid Clostebol back in March. The tennis authority added that the Italian defended that the substance accidentally entered his system after his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi had used an over-the-counter spray with a cut in his hand to massage him.
The ITIA only stripped Sinner of his Indian Wells prize money and ranking point with no further sanctions. On Saturday (September 28), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed that they have submitted their appeal against the ITIA ruling regarding Sinner’s doping case. The body is seeking to secure a suspension between one to two years for Sinner.
Paul McNamee reacted on social media to WADA’s announcement, stating that the news has ‘sent shockwaves’ through the tennis world.
Gee that’s sending shockwaves through tennis that WADA are appealing the ITIA decision to the Court of Arbitration of Sport in the Jannik Sinner case…. that’s a very big call and I wasn’t expecting that.
Paul McNamee wrote via X
Meanwhile, there is no confirmed timeframe as to when the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) will announce its final ruling on the case, which will allow Sinner time to keep playing.
Jannik Sinner excited at reaching the quarterfinals of the China Open coming from behind
Jannik Sinner came from behind the second time at the China Open to beat Roman Safiullin. The World No. 1 lost the first set of his first-round match against Nicolas Jarry but still found a way to claim the win. He did so against Safiullin, as he rallied from behind to beat the Russian 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.
The victory also sees the Italian maintain the record of reaching at least the quarterfinals of every tournament he has competed in the ATP this year. During his on-court interview, he admitted he was excited to reach the next round of the China Open.
I’m very happy. I didn’t start my best. Sometimes it can happen. But I’m very excited to be in the next round playing at least one more time in this beautiful tournament.
Jannik Sinner said
The Italian beat Daniil Medvedev last year to claim the title and is hoping to defend it. He now has 57 tour-level victories this season tied with Alexander Zverev for the most triumphs of the year.
Victor Okechukwu
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