WADA Appeals Ruling Clearings Sinner of Doping

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed a ruling by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that cleared world No. 1 Jannik Sinner of wrongdoing after he tested positive for the banned substance clostebol. WADA is seeking a suspension of one to two years for Sinner, arguing that the ITIA's finding of 'no fault or negligence' was incorrect. Sinner, who recently won the US Open, maintains that the positive tests were due to inadvertent contamination from his physiotherapist's use of a contaminated spray to treat a cut. The appeal was lodged with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and while it could be resolved quickly, a decision may not arrive before the Australian Open begins on January 12, 2024. Sinner expressed disappointment and surprise at the appeal, emphasizing that he did not knowingly violate doping rules. The controversy continues to hang over his recent successes in tennis.