Jannik Sinner has to deal with the doping case again. © APA/afp / PIERO CRUCIATTI

Sinner is “surprised and disappointed” by WADA

Jannik Sinner's victory in the round of 16 over the Russian Roman Safiullin became a minor matter on Saturday. Instead, the South Tyrolean once again had to deal with the seemingly endless doping case surrounding him.

September 28, 2024

From: cst

“Yes, I am surprised,” admitted Sinner after the match against Safiullin (the South Tyrolean won in 3 sets). Shortly before, the number 1 in the ATP world had learned that the World Anti-Doping Agency WADA will take him before the International Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS in Lausanne (SUI). WADA is calling for a ban for Sinner.

However, the Sextner was not only surprised after the WADA announcement, as he said without mincing words: "I am disappointed about this appeal. There have been three reports so far and they have all been in my favour. I was not expecting this appeal, to be completely honest." While the public found out about the WADA appeal on Saturday, Sinner already knew about it at that time. "I was told a few days ago and I also knew when it would be published," said the 3-year-old Sextner.

Witold Banka, head of the World Anti-Doping Agency. © ANSA / LAURENT GILLIERON / STF

Sinner assured that he was calm despite the WADA appeal: "You can't control everything. But we're always talking about the same thing here. Maybe they just want to make sure that everything was done properly."

Sinner in Beijing: “Wasn’t at 100 percent”

The Round of 16 victory over Safiullin was pushed into the background by the doping case. Sinner confirmed, however, that it was not an easy match for him. "It was very difficult for me to play today. I was not at 100 percent, but I was able to improve in the decisive moments," said Sinner. The South Tyrolean also had praise for his opponent. "He is an incredibly good tennis player. His serve was really strong and he always had good answers," said the South Tyrolean about Safiullin.