WADA decides not to appeal Jannik Sinner’s doping case amidst several debates
WADA has decided to uphold the International Tennis Agency's ruling on US Open champion Jannik Sinner's doping case
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Jannik Sinner (Image via X)
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has decided not to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) against Jannik Sinner’s doping sentence. The Italian was cleared of all doping charges last month after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) found no fault or negligence for his testing positive for clostebol, a banned substance.
Sinner tested positive twice for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol while competing at the Indian Wells Masters in March. The tennis world was oblivious to the case until August when the ITIA made the World’s No. 1 doping case public. The tennis body admitted that Sinner defended himself by stating that the banned substance entered his body when his former physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi used a spray that contained clostebol to massage him.
Following an investigation by an independent tribunal, the ITIA cleared Sinner of all charges but stripped him of his Indian Wells ranking points and money. However, the ruling caused a stir among tennis players and legends. WADA later confirmed its involvement in the doping case.
However, after the 21-day appeal period expired, WADA confirmed that it would uphold the ITIA ruling. Its decision was made on the basis that several appeals to CAS have always been made regarding the banned clostebol in healing ointments and sprays. However, the sports court only punishes willful offenders but does not punish athletes who try to avoid contamination.
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Confirmed: WADA will not appeal Jannik Sinner’s tribunal finding, which cleared him of fault and negligence
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Sinner, who has been the most consistent player this year, has always stated his innocence to the press. He began the year beating Daniel Medvedev to win the Australian Open. On Sunday (September 8), he defeated Taylor Fritz to win the US Open. It was the Italian’s sixth title of the year.
Jannik Sinner shows gratitude to his team and close friends for supporting him amidst the doping saga
After winning the US Open, Jannik Sinner thanked his team and those close to him for supporting him amid the doping saga. The World No. 1 was the center of several debates after avoiding the ban despite testing positive twice for clostebol.
Several tennis legends and players questioned the ITIA decision to let the World No.1 free of all charges. Notably among them was Nick Kyrgios, who demanded a two-year ban for the Italian. However, despite the negative reactions, he went on to win the US Open
This title for me means so much; the last period of my career was not easy. There is my team who supports me every day, the people who are close to me.Jannik Sinner said (via ATP)
Sinner will not compete in the Davis Cup Finals and Laver Cup but will be back in action at the China Open. After the Asian swing, he is also set to take part in the WTA Finals and is currently on track to finish the season as the World No. 1.
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Victor Okechukwu
(719 Articles Published)