World number one tennis player Jannik Sinner is facing his first match at the Shanghai Masters while navigating the ongoing controversy surrounding a doping appeal. Last week, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced its intention to appeal a decision by tennis authorities clearing Sinner of wrongdoing after he tested positive for a steroid twice in March.
Sinner, who recently reached the finals of the China Open in Beijing, where he lost to his rival Carlos Alcaraz, addressed the situation during a press conference. He acknowledged the pressure and discomfort caused by the appeal, stating, “It’s not in a situation where I feel comfortable in it, that’s for sure, because I thought it was over… so it’s not easy.”
The Italian player maintains his innocence, emphasizing that the drug entered his system unintentionally when his physiotherapist used a spray containing the steroid to treat a cut, subsequently providing massage and sports therapy to Sinner. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted Sinner’s explanation in August, leading to his clearance. However, WADA is seeking a ban of up to two years, prompting the appeal.
Despite the ongoing appeal, Sinner remains confident in a positive outcome, stating, “I had three hearings, which went my way, which was good, but now let’s see. But I’m very confident that it comes out very positively.”
With the appeal looming, Sinner is now focused on the Shanghai Masters, where he might face Alcaraz again. The two players share a competitive spirit on the court, pushing each other to perform at their best. “We are quite similar as human beings off the court,” Sinner noted. “Obviously on the court, we try to meet, we try to put on a big fight… he pushes me to do better, which is something good.”
Sinner’s first match in the tournament will be against Japan’s Taro Daniel this weekend. “I had my first practice session just now, I just finished, so I feel good. I feel recovered,” Sinner said, expressing his readiness for the upcoming match.
