Jannik Sinner recently reacted to the doping issue with a serious expression. © APA / MATTHEW STOCKMAN

Doping case: Does Sinner suddenly have to worry again?

The doping confusion surrounding Jannik Sinner is entering the next round. An appeal against the US Open champion's acquittal is still possible, and now further documents have been requested.

September 11, 2024

From: fop

Sinner tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol twice in March, but he was initially able to credibly assure that the drug had accidentally entered his body during a massage. He was therefore acquitted by an independent court and not prosecuted by the Tennis Anti-Doping Agency (Itia). But the case is not yet closed.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) still has the opportunity to appeal against the acquittal. It was initially assumed that this would only be possible until the 21st day after the verdict was announced. In reality, however, this deadline only begins from the moment WADA has full access to the case documents. The deadline for an appeal therefore did not expire on September 9.

Full documentation requested

In the meantime, WADA has requested the complete documentation and received it last week. "WADA has requested and received all information available to it," the tennis anti-doping agency said.

Despite all the unrest, Jannik Sinner won his second Grand Slam title on Sunday. © APA/afp / KENA BETANCUR

Sinner will therefore have to wait around two weeks, until September 26 or 27, for his final acquittal. If an appeal is filed, the case could end up before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

This threatens the South Tyrolean

Ultimately, the South Tyrolean would face a retroactive ban and thus also the loss of his US Open title. However, this is considered extremely unlikely. Firstly, because the course of the doping case and the acquittal so far clearly speak in Sinner's favour. Secondly, because WADA has always refrained from appealing in cases like this.

However, as long as the final deadline has not passed, the world's best tennis player will continue to worry. This is not easy for him, Sinner recently shared some thoughtful words after his triumph in New York.