Jannik Sinner’s doping case continues to be a very delicate topic almost a year after the Italian ace discovered that he had tested positive for Clostebol, in conjunction with the Indian Wells Masters 1000.
The world number 1 had immediately understood the origin of his contamination and ITIA had believed his version of the facts, almost immediately revoking his provisional suspension and allowing him to continue playing while waiting for the verdict.
This story was communicated to the whole world shortly before the start of the 2024 US Open, when ITIA announced that the 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria had been found innocent. Not only was it recognized that the athlete did not want to dope, but ITIA had also pointed out that Jannik could not have done more to avoid contamination.
The case seemed closed, until WADA decided to appeal against the acquittal sentence by opening a new trial before the CAS in Lausanne. It took a long time before the dates of these hearings, which will take place on April 16 and 17, were made official. The 3-time Grand Slam champion – who has always collaborated with the authorities in recent months – risks a suspension of one to two years.
Ahmad Nassar on Sinner’s case
In the meantime – through his official X profile – executive director of PTPA Ahmad Nassar (the association created by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil) has finally expressed his opinion on Sinner’s case.
“In Jannik’s specific case, he was put in an unfair situation. The ITIA claims it followed its process and rules. WADA disagrees and feels the need to push back on the ITIA. Unfortunately, this was not a surprising result to people like Tara Moore and myself. That doesn’t mean we agree with the substance of WADA’s appeal, or the ITIA’s original decision” – Nassar wrote.
“Neither the ITIA nor WADA are really disputing the underlying facts in Jannik’s case. That’s important – and also unfair. He is, in effect, caught up in a political/legal dispute between the ITIA and WADA. And he is still waiting nearly a year later to have his case fully resolved. Again, that is unfair” – he concluded.
Tennis World USA