Jannik Sinner’s doping case took another twist as the World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA] launched an appeal against a ‘no fault or negligence’ ruling.
The world number returned two positive tests in March for an anabolic steroid.
The WADA statement came during the middle of his match at the China OpenGetty
The International Tennis Integrity Agency determined he was not to blame and imposed no punishment in a ruling made in August, meaning he was free to compete.
The ITIA accepted Sinner’s explanation that the banned substance entered his body as a result of a massage from his physio, who had used a spray containing the steroid to treat a cut on their finger.
But WADA has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking to impose a ban of up to two years on the 23-year-old Italian.
A statement from the agency said: “It is WADA’s view that the finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ was not correct under the applicable rules.
“WADA is seeking a period of ineligibility of between one and two years. WADA is not seeking a disqualification of any results, save that which has already been imposed by the tribunal of first instance.”
The news was announced during the middle of Sinner’s China Open match with Roman Safiullin, where he lost the first set.
At the time, his lawyers said the positive test amounted to ‘less than a billionth of a gram’.
It was claimed that Sinner was contaminated by a healing spray used to treat a cut suffered by his physio, Giacomo Naldi.
“I will now put this challenging and deeply unfortunate period behind me,” Sinner said.
Sinner won the US Open earlier this monthAFP
“I will continue to do everything I can to ensure I continue to comply with the ITIA’s anti-doping programme and I have a team around me that are meticulous in their own compliance.”
Meanwhile a statement from Sinner’s representatives read: “Jannik has cooperated fully with the ITIA’s investigation from the beginning.
“The ITIA is battling misconduct in sport and doping in particular.
“Its rules and processes are exceptionally rigorous and following forensic investigation and an independent hearing, the independent tribunal have decided that Jannik is innocent. He is not at fault.”
Sinner is still free to continue playing tournaments, but was docked 400 ranking points and the £250,000 in prize money for reaching the semi-finals at Indian Wells.
The Italian went on to win the US Open earlier this month.
