The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) spokesperson James Fitzgerald explained why the verdict the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) gave in Jannik Sinner ‘s doping case was not according to the current rules. Sinner is still dealing with the doping saga because of WADA’s intervention.
The WADA appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to demand a lengthy ban on the Italian because they think Sinner was responsible for failing the drug test. Sinner was a victim of cross-contamination as clostebol, the banned substance, was in the spray his former physio Giacomo Naldi was using and during a physiotherapy session, the drug entered Sinner’s body.
The WADA did not, however, accuse the youngster of intentional doping. Fitzgerald said that the doping rules are revised over time and according to the current rules, Sinner should be handed a ban.
We believe that the conclusion of ‘no fault or negligence’ was not correct under current rules, and is calling for a suspension period of between one and two years. WADA is not calling for the cancellation of any results, except those already imposed in the first instance.
James Fitzgerald told La Stampa
Fitzgerald said the rules keep changing because of the athletes who pushed for more severe sanctions against the offenders. Sinner’s CAS hearing is scheduled for April 16-17.
Italian TV personality Fabrizio Corona made his feelings known about Jannik Sinner‘s doping scandal. He did not mince his words in slamming his compatriot, accusing the three-time Grand Slam champion of intentional doping. Corona also feels Sinner being a top player means he is helping ATP earn more money which is why he was given preferential treatment.
Anyone else who had tested positive would have been immediately splashed in the newspapers, massacred for a month, and then disqualified. Here, instead, everything was done to hide the problem, because the dualism with Alcaraz makes too much money and business comes before everything.
Fabrizio Corona said on Cliche, a show on Swiss TV RSI
Sinner probably played his last Grand Slam tournament this year as a lengthy ban mean he would be out of the tour for the rest of the season. The season’s second Major, the French Open, is in May.
The World No.1 lifted the Australian Open with a straight-set win over Alexander Zverev and is yet to play his next tournament. His next goal is to clinch the Qatar Open which starts on February 17.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!