Sinner issued a statement: "I will cooperate fully".

© AFP

Elio Valotto

le 29/09/2024 à 09h08

2 min to read

Sinner

Jannik Sinner is not out of the woods yet.

Tested positive last March, the Italian was initially cleared by an independent tribunal before the World Anti-Doping Agency, dissatisfied with the decision, appealed.

The agency even requested a suspension of between one and two years.

After reacting in a press conference, the world number 1 issued a statement on social networks to express his disappointment, but also his confidence in his own innocence.

He explained: "I am disappointed to learn that WADA has chosen to appeal the outcome of my ITIA hearing after the independent judges had exonerated me and considered me innocent.

Over the last few months and throughout this process, there have been three separate hearings, each confirming my innocence.

After several months of interviews and investigations, three high-level judges examined every detail in a formal hearing.

They delivered a thorough judgment explaining why they felt I was not at fault, thanks to clear evidence and my cooperation throughout the proceedings.

On the basis of such a robust process, the ITIA and the Italian Anti-Doping Authority accepted this and waived their rights of appeal.

I understand that these things must be thoroughly investigated to preserve the integrity of the sport we all love.

However, it's hard to see what will be gained by asking a different panel of three judges to examine the same facts and documents again.

That said, I have nothing to hide and, as I have done throughout the summer, I will cooperate fully with the appeal process and provide whatever may be necessary to prove my innocence once again.

I will make no further comment."