Jannik Sinner (for now) avoided a doping ban. © APA / DYLAN BUELL

Doping scandal: Sinner faces trouble, but has support

Darren Cahill has defended his protégé Jannik Sinner after two positive doping tests became known and ruled out any intention. Nevertheless, the South Tyrolean is facing further trouble.

August 21, 2024

From: dpa/sn

"He would never do anything intentionally. He was in an unfortunate situation," Cahill said in an interview with the US broadcaster ESPN"The truth is out, no mistake or negligence, and hopefully he can put this behind him," said Sinner's coach.

The world number one was tested positive twice for the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol in March Nevertheless, the 23-year-old avoids a two-year doping ban, which is much criticism among the competition Sinner had explained in a statement that the substance had entered his body via the hands of his physiotherapist. The positive samples were taken on March 10 at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells, where Sinner had reached the semifinals, and eight days later outside of competition.

Darren Cahill, coach of Jannik Sinner. © APA / MATTHEW STOCKMAN

According to Itia, Sinner was then provisionally suspended, but successfully appealed against the suspension and was able to continue playing. "The reason he was able to continue playing after the short provisional suspension is because they were able to pinpoint exactly where the incident took place and they were able to explain what happened with the spray," said Cahill. According to the coach, the incident had "worn Sinner out physically and mentally, he got tonsillitis and missed the Olympics," said the 58-year-old Canadian. "We're not looking for grief. We're just grateful there's no suspension."

WADA may appeal

The World Anti-Doping Agency will first "carefully examine" the decision in the case of tennis world number one Jannik Sinner. It reserves the right to appeal to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne if necessary.

A reaction from the Italian Anti-Doping Agency was still pending, but it too can appeal against the ITIA decision, as Itia itself stated in the statement.