WADA confirms it can be ‘involved’ in Jannik Sinner’s doping row after massive outrage from fans

WADA may take Jannik Sinner's doping case into its own hands after he was cleared of any wrongdoing by the ITIA.

WADA confirms it can be ‘involved’ in Jannik Sinner’s doping row after massive outrage from fans

Jannik SInner (Image via Imago)

Jannik Sinner is in hot water even though the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) acquitted him of doping charges. Sinner, the World No. 1 in men’s singles, accidentally took a prohibited substance in March this year, leading to an investigation by the ITIA. According to reports, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) may take the matter into its own hands. 

The substance, an anabolic steroid called clostebol was present in a spray Sinner’s physiotherapist purchased from Italy. The WADA has banned the steroid as many athletes use it to increase their performance. 

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As mentioned, this March during the Indian Wells, clostebol was found at low levels in a sample submitted by Sinner and was found again during another test. An independent tribunal did the investigation and found that the substance entered Sinner’s system without him knowing it. 

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Sinner has avoided a suspension. He, however, was stripped of the points and prize money he earned during Indian Wells, where he reached the semifinals. 

As Sinner did not have to deal with strict punishment, it caused a massive stir in the tennis fraternity as many demanded a ban. Australia’s Nick Kyrgios straight away called for a two-year ban. ITIA was criticized for taking ‘sides’ as fans recalled the Simona Halep case.

Many felt it was unfair to Halep, who also intentionally used a banned substance. She faced an initial ban of four years, but upon appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the ban was reduced to nine months. The WADA confirmed to the German Press Agency that if necessary, it would go to the CAS for further investigation of Sinner’s case.

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Darren Cahill reveals Jannik Sinner suffered a lot after testing positive for banned steroid 

Jannik Sinner‘s coach, Darren Cahill, revealed how the two tests and their consequences took a toll on the player. Cahill, who also coached Simona Halep, felt the 32-year-old had to deal with a lot when she tested positive for a drug called Roxadustat.

Jannik SInner (2)
Jannik SInner (Image via Imago)
I, from the outside, watched Simona go through her situation as well and there was nothing fair to that in watching her suffer through that as well. So, to be inside the fence on this one, it was really difficult for me and to watch him [Jannik Sinner] certainly suffer both mentally and physically. 
Darren Cahill told ESPN 

Sinner has won five titles this season, including his first Grand Slam trophy at the Australian Open. Right before the announcement of his doping case, he won the Cincinnati Open by beating home favorite Frances Tiafoe in straight sets. 

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