After Jannik Sinner appeals against being cleared of liability for testing positive for a banned substance, Sky Sports News’ Geraint Hughes analyzes the situation facing the world number one in men’s tennis.
How did Sinner test positive for a banned substance?
Sinner tested positive twice for a banned anabolic steroid called Clostebol, which is derived from testosterone, in March this year. In line with anti-doping processes across professional sports, Sinner provided samples to anti-doping administrators. He did so for the first time on March 10 at a tournament in Indian Wells. Eight days later, the Italian also tested positive during an out-of-competition test ahead of the Miami Open. Sinner’s two test results were essentially trace amounts – less than one billionth of a gram.
Sinner was notified of the positive test result and was initially provisionally suspended from tennis on April 4. He successfully appealed that suspension a day later and another brief suspension that lasted from April 17-20. The temporary suspension may be overturned if the athlete demonstrates that contaminated product may have been involved.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from the US Open final between Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz
What is his explanation and why did he escape the ban?
After Sinner’s two positive tests, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) took the case to an independent tribunal, which heard it in August. ITIA deals with anti-doping and corruption in tennis.
Sinner successfully argued that the two positive tests were the result of contamination. The Italian and his legal team claimed his fitness trainer had purchased a generic spray called Trofodermin, which is widely used in Italy to treat cuts. Trofodermin contains Clostebol. Giacomo Naldi, a physiotherapist from Sinner, cut his finger in early March and used sprays for several days to treat the wound. He also continued working with Sinner, massaging him and bandaging Sinner’s feet. Sinner claimed he was accidentally contaminated by Naldi, who did not wear gloves while working. He also claimed he had no idea that his trainer had purchased Trofodermin or that Naldi had contaminated him with Trofodermin.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
After her second round win at the US Open, Sinner reflected on the investigation into her positive test for a banned substance.
At the independent hearing, three scientific experts said Sinner’s explanation was plausible. ITIA accepted Sinner’s explanation that this was how he returned two positive anti-doping tests in the presence of Clostebol. The independent tribunal agreed. Technically, Sinner was found ‘without fault or negligence’ for the failed test. Investigations and rulings by the Independent Tribunal and ITIA uncovered all of Sinner’s misconduct and avoided a doping ban.
How did the tennis world react to Sinner being eligible to play?
mix. The ATP said in a statement in August that it supported Sinner and his team but was ‘encouraged’ by the Independent Tribunal/ITIA’s investigation. But they reiterated the importance of athletes and teams “exercising the utmost caution when using any product or treatment.” “Integrity is of the utmost importance in our sport.”
Last August, several players criticized the decision not to ban Sinner. Nick Kyrgios did not hesitate to say, “Whether it was accidental or planned, this is ridiculous. I was tested for banned substances twice… I have to take a break for two years. My skills have improved.” Denis Shapovalov said “different rules for different players”, while legendary seven-time Grand Slam winner John McEnroe called it “amazing” and “shocking”.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
US Open semifinal highlights between Jannik Sinner and Jack Draper
Why has that decision now been appealed?
Yes, last week the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) filed an appeal. Technically, WADA has launched an appeal against the ‘no fault or negligence’ ruling. WADA believes that its ruling is incorrect under its rules. ITIA, which made the original investigation and referred the findings to the independent tribunal, recognizes WADA’s right under WADA rules to appeal these findings to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This means that WADA has the final right to appeal all anti-doping decisions. .
How long will it take for Sinner to receive a final decision on his appeal?
This is a big question that currently has no answer. WADA notified CAS of its intention to appeal and submitted its appeal to CAS on 26 September.
However, CAS has a long list of cases to hear. The current list, which runs until a week before Christmas, does not set any hearing dates for WADA, Jannik Sinner or ITIA, so Sinner’s appeal at CAS may not be heard until 2025. But this is not certain. That’s because cases involving high-profile athletes (Sinner, the men’s world No. 1 tennis player, falls into that category) can potentially be fast-tracked. However, at the time of writing, there is no date set for 2024 for CAS to hear this appeal. Sinner will still be able to play, and unless a CAS hearing or ruling takes place before the Australian Open in January 2025, the Italian will be free to play in Melbourne under the rules.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sinner said dealing with the anti-doping allegations had been difficult, but admitted he was starting to feel more like himself after a successful US Open campaign.
How long will the ban last?
WADA is proposing that they would like to see a period of suspension (most of us call it a ban!) of between one and two years for Jannik Sinner. But what it does not seek is the disqualification of consequences beyond those that have already occurred. Sinner’s ranking has already been removed from Indian Wells in March, but regardless of the outcome of WADA’s appeal to CAS, they are not calling for Sinner’s US Open win to be overturned. His 2024 U.S. Open title remains his, following a WADA appeal.
Many acknowledge that Sinner did not intentionally use Clostebol to enhance his performance and that trace amounts of less than one billionth of a gram, a panel of three independent scientific experts acknowledged, did not constitute misconduct. there is. But WADA’s appeal is based on enforcement of what it sees as rules for all athletes, athletes, coaches and attendants.
Strict liability means that ultimately the athlete is responsible for what goes into his or her body and no athlete should use any substance that is clearly highlighted as prohibited on the WADA Prohibited List. If so, WADA will most likely pursue a ban on the sport. Clearly the fact that WADA has lodged an appeal with CAS means they feel Sinner’s explanation is not sufficient to absolve him from strict liability.
What will happen to Sky Sports Tennis in October?
- Shanghai Masters – ATP 1000 (October 2-13 – in action with Jack Draper)
- Wuhan Open – WTA 1000 (October 6-12 – playing Emma Raducanu)
- Almaty Open, Kazakhstan – ATP 250 (October 14-20)
- Stockholm Open, Sweden – ATP 250 (October 14-20)
- European Open, Antwerp – ATP 250 (14-20 October)
- Japan Open, Osaka – WTA 250 (October 14-20)
- Ningbo Open, China – WTA 500 (October 14-20)
- Erste Bank Open, Vienna – ATP 500 (21-27 October)
- Swiss Indoor, Basel – ATP 500 (October 21-27)
- Guangzhou Open, China – WTA 250 (October 21-27)
- Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis, Tokyo – WTA 500 (October 21-27)
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app. This will give Sky Sports customers access to over 50% more live sport at no extra cost this year. Find out more here.
