Jannik Sinner has released a statement regarding the World Anti-Doping Agency’s decision to appeal his doping case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking a suspension.
The Italian player tested positive for a banned substance earlier this year in March. Due to being able to provide a quick explanation as to how he got the substance in his system, Sinner was allowed to compete while an investigation was being conducted.
The investigation ultimately ruled out any wrongdoing by the Italian, so he wasn’t handed any kind of suspension. He moved on with his career and won the US Open trophy in the meantime and is now competing at the China Open
In between his first and second-round matches, news broke of the World Anti-Doping Agency appealing his case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The agency doesn’t think Sinner should escape without any punishment, so they’re seeking a one to two-year suspension from the sport, which would be a major setback for Sinner.
He’s just enjoyed his best season ever, and getting suspended from the sport would be a huge blow. There is no certainty that he will because CAS has generally ruled more in favor of players before, but he was still greatly disappointed that WADA pursued this course of action.
In a statement released after the news broke, Sinner expressed disappointment while explaining the rigidity of the process he underwent before being cleared.
"I am disappointed to hear that WADA have chosen to appeal the result of my ITIA hearing after the independent judges had exonerated me and deemed me to be innocent."
"Over the past few months and throughout this process there have been three separate hearings in each case confirming my innocence. Several months of interviews and investigations culminated in three senior judges scrutinising every detail through a formal hearing."
He didn't understand why WADA didn't accept the decision, but he’s ready to comply with everything needed as he maintains that he didn’t do anything wrong. CAS will be the ultimate judge, and the World No. 1 player on the ATP Tour will be hoping for a positive ruling.
"They issued an in-depth judgement explaining why they determined me not at fault, with clear evidence provided and my cooperation throughout. On the back of such a robust process both the ITIA and the Italian anti-doping authority accepted it and waived their rights to appeal."
"I understand these things need to be thoroughly investigated to maintain the integrity of the sport we all love. However, it is difficult to see what will be gained by asking a different set of three judges to look at the same facts and documentation all over again."
"This being said, I have nothing to hide, and as I have done throughout the summer, I will cooperate fully with the appeal process and provide whatever may be needed to prove my innocence once again. As the case is now pending before CAS, I won’t comment further."