The World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) appeal against the decision to clear Jannik Sinner of wrongdoing in his doping case will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in April.

Sinner, a two-time 2024 Grand Slam champion, tested positive for the anabolic steroid clotibor last March. Clarified by independent tribunal in August Who decided he was not to blame.

But WADA appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in September and sought a one- to two-year ban for the Italian.

On Friday, CAS confirmation hearings will be held on April 16-17.

Announcing the appeal, WADA said: “WADA believes that the finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ under the applicable rules is incorrect.

“WADA is seeking a ban of one to two years. WADA is not seeking disqualification from any outcome other than those already prescribed by the first instance court.”

Sinner, who has maintained his innocence, said he was “disappointed” and “surprised” by WADA’s appeal.

A statement issued by the International Tennis Integrity Agency at the time said: “The ITIA recognizes the decision of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to appeal against a finding of no fault or negligence in the case of Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner. The award was issued by an independent arbitral tribunal appointed by Sports Resolution on 19 August 2024.

“Under the terms of the World Anti-Doping Code, WADA has the final right of appeal against all such decisions.

“Following a thorough investigative process, and after agreeing on the facts, the case was referred to a tribunal, completely independent of the ITIA, to determine the degree of fault and to impose sanctions due to the unique circumstances and lack of comparable precedents.

“The procedure was conducted in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code. However, ITIA recognizes and respects WADA’s right to appeal the decision of the independent Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision.”

How do prohibited substances get into a sinner’s body? What were the consequences?

In a case brought by the ITIA, the court accepted Sinner’s explanation that banned substances entered his body through massages by his physiotherapist, who used a steroid-containing spray to treat a cut on his finger.

sinner Physiotherapist subsequently fired Giacomo Nardi and his coach Umberto Ferrara provided Nardi with an over-the-counter spray.

Although Sinner was required to give up the 400 ranking points he earned at Indian Wells along with a $325,000 bonus, he was able to continue competing and win the U.S. Open in September and the Australian Open earlier in the year. Year.

“Obviously, it’s been difficult for me to enjoy certain moments. And the way I acted or walked on the court in certain games wasn’t the same as before,” Sinner said after the win at Flushing Meadows.

“It’s not easy, that’s for sure, but on the other hand I try to stay focused and I think I do a good job mentally staying there every game and that’s it.

‘Absurd’ – initial reaction from tennis world

Sinner, 23, maintains his innocence, saying the amount of lotibol found in his system was less than one billionth of a gram.

A statement issued on his behalf in August said he had “no knowledge” of the breach.

“Jannik knew nothing about this and his physical therapist was unaware that he was using products containing cloticol,” the statement read.

“The physiotherapist’s treatment of Janik without the use of gloves, combined with the various skin injuries on Janik’s body, resulted in inadvertent contamination.”

But the decision to clear him was met with strong criticism on the eve of the U.S. Open, with some players seeing it as inconsistent.

Nick Kyrios, Denis Shapovalov and Liam Broady all posted on social media First announcement August.

Kyrgios called the decision “ridiculous,” while both Shapovalov and Brody said other players would have received different results.

Kyrgios wrote on social media: “It’s ridiculous – either accidental or planned. You were tested twice for banned (steroid) substances… You should be out for two years. Your performance improved . Massage cream…yes, good.”

Canadian Denis Shapovalov posted on

Roger Federer said he believed Sinner had done nothing wrong but was surprised he was allowed to continue playing.

“I think we’re all pretty convinced that Janik didn’t do anything,” Federer said on NBC’s “Today” show during last year’s U.S. Open.

“But for him to not have to stand by and do nothing when they’re not 100 per cent sure what’s going on is probably inconsistent and I think that’s the question that needs to be answered here.

“I understand the frustration of ‘Is he being treated the same as everyone else?’ I think that’s the problem.” “

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