September 30, (THEWILL) – Jannik Sinner, the world number one tennis player, is facing renewed scrutiny in a doping case. The 23-year-old Italian admitted to experiencing sleepless nights and described the situation as “very difficult” following the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
WADA is seeking a ban of up to two years after Sinner twice tested positive for traces of the steroid clostebol in March. This comes despite the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) clearing Sinner of wrongdoing in August 2024, accepting his explanation that the substance entered his system through a spray used by his physiotherapist to treat a cut.
Speaking after his quarter-final victory at the Beijing tournament, Sinner expressed his disappointment at being “again in this situation” but maintained his innocence, stating: “I always try to remind myself that I have not done anything wrong.” He acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying, “Now again it is going to be not easy.”
The case has cast a shadow over Sinner’s recent achievements, including his US Open victory weeks after the ITIA’s initial decision to clear him. WADA’s appeal argues that the finding of “no fault or negligence” was incorrect under the applicable rules, reigniting the controversy surrounding the young tennis star.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Sinner is attempting to stay focused on his tennis career. He emphasised his commitment to being prepared for each match, while acknowledging the strain on both himself and his team during this “very difficult moment.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
