The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has taken a significant step in the ongoing saga surrounding Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner, appealing a decision that cleared him of any fault in two positive tests for clostebol, a banned substance.
The appeal, filed on September 26th with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), challenges the findings of an independent tribunal of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The ITIA had determined that Sinner was not at fault for the positive tests, which occurred in March 2024.
WADA, however, maintains that the ‘no fault or negligence’ ruling was incorrect based on applicable rules. The agency is seeking a period of ineligibility for Sinner, ranging from one to two years, but importantly, WADA is not pushing for a disqualification of any results, except for those already imposed by the initial tribunal.
This situation has generated considerable debate and attention, given Sinner’s current status as the world’s top-ranked player, with victories at both the Australian Open and US Open this year. The outcome of the CAS appeal will have a significant impact on Sinner’s future, as well as the wider world of professional tennis.
