WADA decides Jannik Sinner's doping case

09/10/2024 06:00 AM

World Anti-Doping Agency has confirmed ITAI's ruling about Jannik Sinner's doping case, making world no. 1 clear of all charges! Thus, WADA will not appeal the Italian's tribunal finding, barring any further fault or negligence. Sinner tested positive two times for a banned anabolic steroid, clostebol, on March 10 and 18. The tennis world knew nothing for five months, with the ITAI revealing two failed tests following Jannik's Cincinnati Masters 1000 title. World no. 1 lost his points and prize money from Indian Wells, and the decision raised many concerns among his colleagues. The independent tribunal clarified Jannik for two Anti-Doping Rule Violations under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. Thus, he continued his career without suspension, breaking new ground and becoming the world's best player. The ITIA reported low levels of clostebol, which were found after separate tests. Reportedly, it reached Sinner's body from his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi, who used a spray that contained it to treat a wound on his hand.

The Italian successfully appealed the positive tests, playing without suspension and becoming world no. 1 three months later. Although many questions remain unanswered, WADA's latest decision should end further discussions about this topic. Jannik has been the most consistent player since last year's Wimbledon, adding Major titles and Masters 1000 trophies to his tally and building a massive advantage over his closest rivals on the ATP ranking list. The Italian kicked off the 2024 season with his first Major title in Melbourne, ousting Djokovic and Medvedev en route to tennis glory at 22. Sinner conquered Rotterdam and Miami, building a massive advantage on the ATP Race list. Jannik reached the Roland Garros semi-final, falling to Carlos Alcaraz in five sets but taking the ATP throne from Novak Djokovic, becoming the 29th world no. 1.

The Italian lifted his first ATP title in Halle, gathering confidence ahead of Wimbledon and reaching the quarter-final. He fell to Daniil Medvedev in five sets after struggling physically, withdrawing from Bastad and hoping to prepare for the Olympic Games. Sinner revealed tonsillitis, missing Paris and focusing on the North American hard-court swing. He lost the Canada Masters crown following the quarter-final loss to Andrey Rublev before bouncing back in Cincinnati and New York. Jannik lifted two notable titles, confirming his position as the world's best player and wrapping up the year with two Major trophies on his tally. Jannik has built a massive lead over his closest rivals, and he is looking good to wrap up the year as world no. 1 for the first time in a career.