September 8, 2024; Flushing, NY, USA; Yannick Sinner (Italy) defeats Taylor Fritz (Italy) in the men's singles final of the 2024 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center United States) after celebrating the trophy. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images The World Anti-Doping Agency is seeking a one- to two-year ban for world number one Jannik Sinner, arguing the Italian tennis star was negligent in a doping case.
WADA confirmed on Saturday that it had lodged an appeal against Sinner's case with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency announced on August 20 that Sinner tested positive for banned substances twice in March, but was not suspended for no fault of his.
Samples submitted by the Italian at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells on March 10 and March 18 contained low levels of the banned substance lotibol, according to the independent tribunal appointed by the Sporting Resolution. Violation of anti-doping rules.
However, it was discovered that the steroid clostebol entered Sinner's system through a third party. A support team member had been using an over-the-counter spray containing the substance to treat his own wounds, but passed it on to Sinner through the ungloved treatment.
WADA disagrees.
“WADA believes that the determination of 'no fault or negligence' is incorrect under the applicable rules,” the agency said in a press release. “WADA is seeking a ban period of one to two years. WADA is not seeking disqualification of any outcome other than those already prescribed by the first instance court.
“As the matter is currently pending before CAS, WADA will not be making further comment at this time.”
Sinner, 23, is coming off a stellar year in 2024, going 55-5 in competition and winning six of his 16 career titles, including the U.S. Open, Australian Open and ATP Masters 1000 events in Cincinnati and Miami.
Sinner reached the quarterfinals of the China Open on Saturday.
In August, however, some of his teammates spoke out against the lack of punishment for Sinner.
Australia's Nick Kyrgios slammed Sinner's explanation.
Kyrgios wrote on social media: “It's ridiculous – whether it was accidental or planned. You were tested twice for banned (steroid) substances… You should be out for two years. Your performance has been rewarded improve.
Canadian Denis Shapovalov posted on
–Scene-level media