Ben Shelton didn’t have much interest in talking about the Jannik Sinner doping situation as the world No. 14 simply acknowledged that the case is officially over so it’s probably time for everyone to move on.
After months of speculating about what would happen during the Italian’s CAS hearing, it all ended 10 days ago when it was revealed that the world No. 1 and the WADA reached a settlement on a three-month ban.
But those who were openly voicing for the 23-year-old to get suspended still weren’t happy since the reigning Australian Open champion’s ban started on February and will end on May 4th – which makes him eligible to play at the Rome Masters and the French Open.
However, there are also some players and notable members of the tennis community who feel that Sinner should not have been suspended in the first place.
“Settlement’s over. Case is over. I’m just glad that we can play now, move on,” Shelton told Bounces.
“My thoughts are my thoughts, but I’m ready to start playing and stop talking about it. A lot of people want to talk, and I’m honestly just here to play.”
Sinner on why he accepted to work out something with the WADA
The WADA didn’t challenge the part of the ITIA’s ruling in which was said that the Italian didn’t knowingly or intentionally take a banned substance.
But they still wanted him to get sanctioned in at least some capacity over a costly mistake by his ex-physio Giacomo Naldi.
“This case had been hanging over me now for nearly a year and the process still had a long time to run with a decision maybe only at the end of the year,” Sinner said in a statement.
“I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realize WADA’s strict rules are an important protection for the sport I love.
“On that basis I have accepted WADA’s offer to resolve these proceedings on the basis of a 3month sanction.”
Tennis World USA