Jannik Sinner expressed his feelings of disappointment and surprise after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced its decision to appeal the ruling that cleared him of a doping offence. The independent tribunal had found the World No. 1 not at fault despite two positive tests for a banned substance earlier in the year.
This turn of events came just 19 days after Sinner claimed his second grand slam title of the year at the US Open, following the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA)’s acceptance of his explanation that the banned substance entered his body through massages from a member of his team.
However, on Saturday, 23-year-old Sinner’s future faced uncertainty once again as WADA stated its intention to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Despite this, Sinner remained focused on his game and reached the quarter-finals of the China Open by defeating Roman Safiullin.
Speaking after his victory in Beijing, Sinner expressed his surprise at WADA’s appeal, stating, “We cannot control everything, no? Obviously I’m very disappointed and also surprised of this appeal, to be honest, because we had three hearings. All three hearings came out very positively for me.”
The Italian player mentioned that his physio, Giacomo Naldi, had used an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol to treat a finger wound and had provided massages without using gloves between March 5 and 13. Despite the tribunal outcome, some players, like Great Britain’s Tara Moore, have criticised it, implying preference given to top players.
Acknowledging WADA’s right to appeal, the ITIA stated, “The process was run according to World Anti-Doping Code guidelines.” Sinner continues to focus on his game amid the ongoing appeal process.
Additional reporting by Reuters.