Jasmine Paolini’s coach reveals Jannik Sinner testified from ‘4 am to 10 am’ about doping case before playing one of his best matches
A potential ban looms on World No.1 Jannik Sinner as CAS's hearing on his doping case is in April this year.
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Jasmine Paolini‘s coach Renzo Furlan recalled a conversation with Jannik Sinner about his doping case. Sinner had tested positive for the banned steroid clostebol and was provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
The ITIA had shocked the tennis world when in August last year, they announced that Sinner was acquitted of doping charges. ITIA’s announcement came just a few days after the conclusion of the Cincinnati Masters which Sinner had won.
Before beating Frances Tiafoe in the final, Sinner had defeated Alexander Zverev 7-6(9), 5-7, 7-6(4) in the last four that lasted for more than three hours, and in the morning on the same day, he had to report to the anti-doping authorities. Furlan recalled asking Sinner how he managed to deal with pressure and win matches in spite of being surrounded by the doping controversy.
‘For the first time, we rented a house instead of a hotel room. We had two cars to transport us. I drove one and my team drove the other. I needed these moments to myself. It’s something that may sound silly, but it gave me great peace of mind.’ [Sinner had told this to Furlan.] It’s worth remembering that this guy, before the semi-final against Zverev, had to be heard from 4 am to 10 am.
Renzo Furlan said on an Italian television show (H/T: TennisTemple)
Furlan added that ‘someone with extraordinary qualities’ can win such matches. Following the Cincinnati Masters, Sinner then impressed the tennis community when he went on to win the US Open by breezing past home favorite Taylor Fritz in the final.
Italian tennis chief expects positive result from CAS hearing of Jannik Sinner’s doping case
In spite of ITIA declaring that Jannik Sinner bore no fault or negligence, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), even though they too agreed that Sinner didn’t intentionally dope, blamed the 23-year-old for not taking enough care. This is why WADA has called for a lengthy ban on the Italian ace.
Italian tennis chief Angelo Binaghi is convinced that the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) verdict will be in favor of Sinner. The CAS hearing is in April this year.
I really don’t think they’ll do anything to him. The events that are happening lead us to think that we’re moving toward a solution that’s favorable to our players.
Angelo Binaghi told La Gazzetta dello Sport
Sinner, who recently lifted his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open with a straight-set win over Alexander Zverev in the final, chose not to defend Rotterdam Open. If Sinner faces a ban, he could miss the rest of the three Grand Slam events this season.
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Gouri Das
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