World number one Jannik Sinner faces the threat of a new ban after the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) appealed a “no fault or negligence” ruling that he tested positive twice in March.
Sinner, who won the US Open earlier this month, tested positive for anabolic steroids twice in March, but on August 20, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) determined that he was not to blame and no penalties were imposed.
The ITIA accepted Sinner’s explanation that the banned substance entered his body through massage by his physiotherapist, who used a steroid-containing spray to treat a cut on his finger. But WADA has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a ban of up to two years for the 23-year-old Italian.
The agency’s statement read: “WADA believes that the finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ is incorrect under the applicable rules. WADA is seeking a ban period of one to two years. WADA The agency does not seek to annul any outcome other than those already imposed by the court of first instance.
ITIA said in a statement on Saturday: “The process was conducted in accordance with World Anti-Doping Code guidelines; however, ITIA recognizes and respects WADA’s right to appeal the decision of an independent tribunal.
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According to ITIA, Sinner said his physical therapist, Giacomo Naldi, applied an over-the-counter spray containing clotidol to his skin to treat a small cut on his finger, and then 3 Massage without gloves is available from the 5th to the 13th of March.
Italy’s Sinner maintains his innocence and says the amount of lotibol found in his system was less than one billionth of a gram. However, some players criticized the verdict, calling Sinner’s explanation “meaningless.”
