Jannik Sinner’s doping case officially ended yesterday, when it was announced that the Italian has reached an agreement with WADA for a three-month suspension (from February 9 to May 4). The world number 1 will miss six tournaments in total, but will participate in the Rome Masters 1000 and Roland Garros maintaining excellent chances of staying at the top of the ATP ranking.
The hearing before the CAS in Lausanne – which had been set for April 16 and 17 – will not take place, a solution that has sparked very mixed reactions in the world of tennis. The 3-time Grand Slam champion – who had already arrived in Doha to play the prestigious ATP 500 scheduled for next week – avoided a potential suspension of one or two years by accepting image damage.
Sabalenka on Sinner’s doping case
Numerous players on the ATP and WTA tour have been asked about this case in recent months and each has expressed his point of view.
In a recent interview with ‘The National News’, world number 1 Aryna Sabalenka did not want to comment on the agreement between Sinner and WADA. However, the Belarusian champion highlighted how Jannik’s case has fueled the fear of other players.
“We are all starting to be more careful. For example, before I didn’t mind leaving a glass of water on the table and walking away, while now I don’t do it anymore” – explained Aryna.
“We have become more aware of the risk we run in certain situations and it is a fear that gets into your head. The moment you are found positive – even if you are not to blame – it is difficult for people to believe you. We are too afraid of the system,” Sabalenka added.
Sinner had been cleared of all charges by ITIA in the first instance and the verdict had been announced shortly before the start of the 2024 US Open.
The nightmare of the Italian ace had continued because WADA had decided to appeal against the acquittal sentence by exploiting the concept of ‘strict liability’.
Tennis World USA