Federica Pellegrini on the Sinner doping case: "We were always told that the athlete was responsible anyway".

Italian swimming champion Federica Pellegrini, who retired from the pool in 2021, was asked to comment on the doping case involving Jannik Sinner at Indian Wells.

The world number 1 tested positive for clostebol. The World Anti-Doping Agency is due to issue its verdict on appeal shortly.

"I'm curious to see what will happen. He didn't take any doping substances voluntarily, but that's not the point.

We were always told that the athlete was responsible anyway.

Now it seems that there were circumstances where this was not the case, and the question then becomes a slippery one," she told Tennis World Italia.

"Federico Turrini (former professional swimmer) had an eye infection and was on the other side of the world, he was prescribed cortisone eye drops and tested positive.

He was suspended for two years, even though the contamination was obvious in his case. We need clear rules and Jannik's call will tell us what they want to do," she concluded.