Jannik Sinner still doesn’t know his fate regarding the doping case that concerns him. As everyone knows, the world number 1 has experienced a few difficult months due to the news of his positivity to Clostebol detected in two different checks carried out in March during the Indian Wells Masters 1000.
Despite being able to continue playing without any problems, the Italian ace went through a period of great stress and had to attend numerous hearings to prove his innocence. ITIA believed his version of events and sanctioned his innocence shortly before the start of the US Open, where Jannik won his second Grand Slam title in 2024.
Jannik Sinner, Wimbledon 2024© Stream screenshot
The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria thought that this ugly story was definitively over, but WADA decided to appeal against the acquittal sentence and started a new trial before the CAS in Lausanne.
This trial will not take place until February 11, 2025, and will be very important for Sinner’s future. The 2-time Grand Slam champion risks a ban of 1 to 2 years, despite the fact that the WADA president has already announced that the rules will change starting from 2027.
The world No.1 continued to play impressive tennis despite his off-court issues, ending the 2024 season with eight titles, 73 wins and just six losses.
The case is still open
The doping case involving Jannik has sparked a very strong debate in recent months and the Italian champion has had to endure a lot of criticism. Nick Kyrgios was the player who attacked him the hardest, insisting several times and using very harsh phrases towards him. The Australian ace hopes to face Sinner at the 2025 Australian Open, which will take place at Melbourne Park from 12 to 26 January.
Jannik’s doping case was not the only one that has affected tennis in the recent period. The tennis world was also shaken by the news of Iga Swiatek’s positivity, who proved her innocence and was suspended for a very short period of time.
Sinner© X Atp Tour
In a recent interview with ‘Tennis Actu’, former ATP ace Guy Forget commented on Sinner and Swiatek’s doping cases: “I still have the impression that there is such a degree of sophistication in the tests. You can find a teaspoon of sugar in an Olympic swimming pool.
There are so many players who take food supplements and vitamins, who can take polluted elements and who, even without knowing it, lead to positive tests.”
The French also added: “It is an absolute tragedy for those who are innocent – I am not talking about those who are guilty and repeat offenders.
I put myself in the shoes of an athlete who tested positive for a substance in infinitesimal quantity. You can say to yourself: ‘I am going to be prevented from living my passion’ – without wanting to cheat. I see things a bit like that for Halep, Swiatek and Sinner.”
Sinner risks a ban of 1 to 2 years
The 2-time Grand Slam champion played the best season of his entire career, proving that he can make history in the sport.
The world number 1 has been put in trouble by only one opponent in 2024: Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard has defeated the Italian three times in as many clashes this year, but has not had the same consistency during the year. The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria struggles to stem Carlitos’ game, but is able to win matches even when he is not playing his best tennis. Their contrast of styles is bound to mark an era for the next 10 to 15 years.
Jannik Sinner, ATP Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
During a long interview with ‘Betway’, top analyst Mark Petchey opened up on the rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz: “If Bjorn had played Bjorn nobody would be talking about that era in terms of how exciting it was. “It was Mac who brought the passion, Jimmy Connors the bad boy. Borg the ice.
Mark continued: “You need great rivalries and different personalities. It is Fire and Ice 2.0 for me with Jannik and Carlos. We might not have the trash talk of the 80s but tennis actually is an unbelievably healthy space.
You want to see people who are trying to win big competitions that are being ultra professional in doing that. Otherwise, what are we celebrating? People that are mediocre. I think Alcaraz is arguably one of the greatest tennis players already.
Are you going to say that one of the greatest tennis players that lights up a tennis court in a way that very few tennis players have had over the years is suddenly dull?”
Everyone hopes that these two young champions can face each other in a Grand Slam final next year.
Tennis World USA