WADA appeals CAS’s decision for Sinner’s doping test

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the decision to clear tennis world number one Jannik Sinner of doping violations. In August, an independent tribunal found “no fault or negligence” on Sinner’s part after he tested positive for the anabolic agent clostebol. WADA is now seeking a one to two-year suspension for the Italian star, disputing the tribunal’s ruling under the World Anti-Doping Code.

Jannik Sinner says he’s surprised that WADA appealed his case, ‘I’m very disappointed & also surprised, because we had three hearings. All three hearings came out very positively for me’

“Obviously, we heard during your match about the WADA appeal. I’m just wondering, what is… pic.twitter.com/DLFXg6uGIT

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 28, 2024

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Sinner had argued that the clostebol entered his system inadvertently via his support team, specifically through massages administered by his physio, Giacomo Naldi, who applied an over-the-counter spray containing the substance to treat a finger injury. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted this explanation, leading to Sinner’s acquittal.

WADA, however, believes the ruling was incorrect and has exercised its right to appeal. Sinner expressed surprise and disappointment at the decision, noting that he had already undergone three hearings, all of which had been in his favor.

Sinner is the latest high-profile tennis player to be involved in a doping case, following Simona Halep, who also faced sanctions. While Sinner has maintained his innocence, his positive test and the tribunal’s verdict have drawn criticism from other players, including British player Tara Moore, who questioned the leniency shown to top-ranked athletes.