The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is facing a decision: appeal or accept the exoneration of US Open champion Jannik Sinner for his positive steroid tests. The agency has another three weeks to file an appeal, according to the World Anti-Doping Code.
The deadline for WADA to appeal is the end of September. WADA and Nado Italia, the Italian anti-doping agency, are the only entities that can challenge the decision made by an independent tribunal on August 20. While Nado Italia has 21 days to file an appeal, WADA has an additional 21 days on top of that.
The 21-day window for Nado Italia to appeal opened on August 20, but it remains unclear if it has expired yet. The ITIA rulebook states that the 21-day period begins once all parties receive the verdict and supporting documents. This can take a few days or even longer after the initial announcement. If Nado Italia does not appeal, WADA has 21 days after receiving the decision and documents to file an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Sinner tested positive twice for an anabolic steroid in March but was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing. The ITIA concluded that the banned substance entered his system unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist, who had used a spray containing the steroid to treat a cut finger.
The doping case was kept under wraps until last month, and Sinner went on to win the US Open final against Taylor Fritz on Sunday. An appeal could potentially jeopardize his US Open title, but Sinner and his legal team have presented substantial evidence to the ITIA and tribunal judges to support his claim.
