Jannik Sinner Faces WADA Ban Appeal Over Positive Test

Jannik Sinner expressed his disappointment and surprise after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the decision that cleared him of any wrongdoing following two positive tests for a banned substance. WADA challenged the independent tribunal’s ruling which found Sinner without fault or negligence and now seeks a ban of “between one and two years” through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Earlier this year, officials provisionally suspended Sinner, 23 after he tested positive for low levels of clostebol, a steroid during the Indian Wells tournament in March. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) presented the case and accepted Sinner’s defense which explained that his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi unintentionally exposed him to the substance by using an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol on his own hand.

The tribunal allowed Sinner to continue playing but stripped him of his ranking points and prize money from his Indian Wells semi-final appearance. Since then, Sinner has cut ties with Naldi. Despite this, WADA holds Sinner partially responsible and has pursued an appeal through CAS. Sinner, currently the world number one, voiced frustration emphasizing that three prior hearings ruled in his favor.

The announcement of WADA’s appeal came while Jannik Sinner competed in the China Open where he defeated Roman Safiullin to advance to the quarter-finals. Though the case may take months to resolve, Sinner remains free to compete. WADA’s appeal raises questions about the handling of the contamination and whether Sinner should bear accountability for his team’s actions. It remains unclear if the case will be fast-tracked due to its high profile.