In a stunning turn of events, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed against an independent tribunal’s decision to clear World No. 1 Jannik Sinner of blame after he failed two tests for a banned substance earlier this year.
Last month, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) ruled that Sinner bore “no fault or negligence” for twice testing positive for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024. ITIA backed up the Italian’s defense that his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, inadvertently contaminated him with the steroid. Sinner has since stopped working with Naldi.
On Friday, WADA rejected the independent tribunal’s verdict, stating it was “not correct under the applicable rules.” WADA appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and issued a statement calling for Sinner to be banned from pro tennis for “between one and two years.“
“WADA is seeking a period of ineligibility of between one and two years,” the statement read. “WADA is not seeking a disqualification of any results, save that which has already been imposed by the tribunal of first instance. As this matter is now pending before CAS, WADA will make no further comment at this time.”
