WADA declares ‘dopers will win’ if Jannik Sinner is not banned as CAS verdict looms

CAS has scheduled a hearing on Jannik Sinner's doping case in April this year after WADA's demand for a lengthy ban.

WADA declares ‘dopers will win’ if Jannik Sinner is not banned as CAS verdict looms

Jannik Sinner (Image via X)

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) once again made their feelings known on why they decided to appeal Jannik Sinner‘s case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Sinner, currently preparing for the Qatar Open, could face a lengthy ban if CAS’ verdict doesn’t come out in his favor.

WADA spokesperson James Fitzgerald stated that as the doping rules are revised over time, the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) verdict on Sinner was not given according to the current rules. Another reason behind WADA’s decision is to show the dopers through Sinner’s case that they are not taking any cases lightly.

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The principle of strict liability is of fundamental importance to upholding fairness in sports. Without it, there would be no anti-doping and the dopers would win. If an athlete who tests positive for a prohibited substance does not have to explain where it came from, or how it entered his system, it would be all too easy for the cheater to escape significant sanctions.

James Fitzgerald told La Stampa

It’s almost been a year since Sinner tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol as he had failed the drug test in March last year. The drug entered his body due to his former physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi during a physiotherapy session.

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Sinner recently won the Australian Open with a straight-set victory over Alexander Zverev. The Italian has perhaps played his last Major of the season because the CAS hearing is in April this year and a lengthy ban means he wouldn’t be able to play the rest of the season.

Corrado Barazzutti speaks highly of Jannik Sinner’s mentality

Former World No.7 Corrado Barazzutti lauded Jannik Sinner‘s mentality as the World No.1, in spite of the doping scandal and looming CAS verdict has been producing powerful performances. Since ITIA’s announcement of Sinner’s doping case, he won two Grand Slam titles, the 2024 US Open and this year’s Australian Open, and he also clinched last year’s ATP Finals.

Jannik Sinner (16)
Jannik Sinner (Image via X)

He has a really incredible mind. He continued to play his best tennis without this case affecting him. He could have taken a break while waiting for the verdict, instead, he continued to dominate his opponents with a formidable game.

Corrado Barazzutti told La Nacion

Sinner is in Doha for the Qatar Open. It will be his first tournament since the Australian Open as he decided to skip the Rotterdam Open to focus on rest and recovery.

The three-time Grand Slam champion will be bidding to win his first title in Doha. Sinner skipped the Qatar Open last year as he didn’t play any tournament after winning the Australian Open and Rotterdam Open and made his comeback at the Indian Wells.