Yevgeny Kafelnikov had some pretty strong words about the WADA-Jannik Sinner settlement as the former two-time Grand Slam champion wondered why the Italian would accept a settlement if he felt he was “100 percent innocent.”
On Saturday morning, the biggest anti-doping agency in the world announced that there would be no need for them and the current ATP world No. 1 to proceed with their CAS trial that was scheduled for April 16-17.
Instead, the two parties agreed on a three-month ban – the WADA previously said they would look to get a one to two-year suspension for the 23-year-old.
For Sinner, it’s a win – considering that his ban started on February 9th and will end on 4th – which will allow him to compete at the French Open later that month.
But one former Grand Slam winner and No. 1 wasn’t impressed at all.
Kafelnikov: Why do you accept a ban if you are innocent?
“I just don’t get it!! If you (are) absolutely 100% sure of your innocence(as he was before with his lawyers), why you accepting a 3 month ban?? Makes no sense to me,” the former world No. 1 wrote on X.
i just don’t get it!! If you absolutely 100% sure of your innocence(as he was before with his lawyers),why you accepting 3 month ban?? makes no sense to me🤷♂️
— Kafelnikov Yevgeny (@KYevgeni) February 15, 2025
In another post, the 2000 Sydney Olympics winner issued a brutal claim against the WADA: “WADA is (the) dirtiest organization! You can make any deal you want with them even if guilty.”
WADA is dirtiest organization ! You can make any deal you want with them even if guilty 🤪🤦♂️🤪🤦♂️
— Kafelnikov Yevgeny (@KYevgeni) February 15, 2025
James Gray, who is covering tennis for British paper i, issued an explanation to Kafelnikov.
It’s a legal argument over how responsible an athlete is for the actions of their team.
Sinner claimed not at all (initially accepted at tribunal) and Wada claimed otherwise.
They both agreed that Cas would have (expensively) compromised, so they did a deal. https://t.co/d5yl002V11
— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) February 15, 2025
And for avoidance of doubt “did a deal” is not a suggestion of some sort of underhandedness.
That’s what a settlement is: a negotiation followed by a deal agreed by both parties.
— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) February 15, 2025
Meanwhile, here is also what the WADA said.
“However, under the code and by virtue of Cas precedent, an athlete bears responsibility for the entourage’s negligence. Based on the unique set of facts of this case, a three-month suspension is deemed to be an appropriate outcome,” they said in a statement.
Tennis World USA