The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed the decision to exonerate Jannik Sinner, seeking a ban of up to two years.
The Italian tested positive twice for Clostebol, a banned substance which was found in a healing spray used to treat Giacomo Naldi, Sinner’s physio, for a wound on his hand during the Indian Wells Masters 1000 in March.
One billionth of a gram was discovered in Sinner’s system as a result of receiving a massage from Naldi, but he was cleared of any wrongdoing before the US Open.
Sinner argued that he was accidentally contaminated by the steroid through Naldi which made the process easier to trace.
When the news broke, Sinner released Naldi and fitness trainer, Umberto Ferrara, from his team.
WADA has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing that Sinner should be banned for “between one and two years.”
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said in a statement earlier today: “The process was run according to WADA guidelines; however, the ITIA acknowledges and respects Wada’s right to appeal the independent tribunal’s decision.”
After the US Open concluded, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that WADA would not appeal the decision.
The 23-year-old is currently in Beijing where he awaits Roman Safiullin in the round of 16.
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