The World Anti -Doping Agency (Wada) came out of the “match” with Jannik Sinner, the detected player doped and forgiven by ITIA accepting a three -month suspension. According to the agreement between the two parties, the body that deals with the fight against doping in sport has withdrawn its call to TAS.
Jannik Sinner takes a forced tennis break. Photo EPA EFE
The leader of the ATP standings will no longer play until May, after the first instance had been paid by ITIA, last year, on the grounds that the doping occurred “Without guilt and without negligence” from the athlete. The punishment accepted by Sinner started on February 9 and will end on May 4, and the player will be able to train starting May 13. The Italian will be able to play this at Roland Garros.
“In September 2024, Wada appealed to the Arbitration Court for Sport (TAS) in the case of Mr. Sinner, who was found innocent of guilt or negligence by an independent court.
Jannik Sinner, agree with Wada
Despite this appeal, the circumstances around this specific case meant that, in order to ensure a fair and adequate result, Wada was willing to conclude a settlement agreement, in accordance with Article 10.8.2 of the World Anti-Doping Code.
Jannik Sinner will not be able to play at Doha, Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Madrid. He will lose 2,000 points, won in these tournaments last year and will have about 10,000 points when he will return to the field. His main pursuers, Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz, have 8,100 at present, respected 7400 points.
Wada accepts the sportsman’s explanation regarding the cause of the violation, as described in the decision of the first court. Wada accepts that Mr. Sinner had no intention to deceive and that the Clostebol substance did not offer any benefit of improving performance and produced without its knowledge, as a result of the negligence of its entourage members. However, according to the World Doping Code, a sportsman is responsible for the negligence of his entourage.
Three months of suspension, a reasonable punishment
Based on the unique set of facts in this case, a three -month suspension is considered an appropriate result. As mentioned above, Wada did not request the disqualification of any result except for those previously imposed by the substantive court (no points and money collected at Indian Wells 2023, a tour during which Sinner was subjected to the test that came out) . The International Tennis Federation and the International Tennis Integrity Agency, both charged in the appeal made by Wada to TAS, who did not challenge the decision of the first court, accepted the settlement agreement.
“This case was following me for almost a year and the process still had a long time to go, and a decision could only be taken at the end of the year. I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and I realize that the strict rules of Wada are important protection For the sport I love.
In accordance with the terms of the agreement, Mr. Sinner will fulfill his period of ineligibility from February 9, 2025 to May 4, 2025, at 23:59. In accordance with Article 10.14.2 of the Code, Mr. Sinner will be eligible to return to the official training activity since April 13, 2025.
In the light of the settlement agreement, Wada has officially withdrew its call to TAS ‘was the statement issued by Wada.
