Sinner suspended for 3 months, WADA's appeal to CAS in April overturned!
A thunderclap in the tennis world on Saturday. Twice tested positive for clostebol during the Indian Wells tournament in the spring of 2024, world number 1 Jannik Sinner, who had been acquitted by the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency), is finally going to be sanctioned.
Although the World Anti-Doping Agency had appealed against the ITIA's decision, CAS was due to give its final ruling on the case on April 16 and 17, but the sanction came sooner than expected.
In agreement with Sinner, WADA announced the suspension of the Italian, winner of three Grand Slams since the start of last season, for a period of three months from February 9. The suspension will expire on May 4.
As a result of this suspension, Jannik Sinner will not be able to take part in the tournaments in Doha, Dubai, Indian Wells, Miami (where he is the defending champion), Monte-Carlo and Madrid. He will therefore be able to return for the Rome Masters 1000, which will be his home tournament.
The World Anti-Doping Agency explained its decision on its website.
"WADA recognizes that Mr. Sinner did not intend to cheat, that his exposure to clostebol did not provide any performance-enhancing benefit, and that it occurred without his knowledge due to the negligence of members of his entourage.
However, under the Code and CAS jurisprudence, an athlete is liable for the negligence of those around him.
Based on the unique set of facts in this case, a three-month suspension is considered an appropriate outcome.
As previously indicated, WADA has not requested the disqualification of any result, with the exception of that previously imposed by the court of first instance.
The International Tennis Federation and the International Tennis Integrity Agency, both co-respondents to WADA's appeal to CAS, who did not appeal the first instance decision, have both accepted the case resolution agreement.
WADA has officially withdrawn its appeal to CAS", reads a statement on the WADA website.
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