ITIA hits back at WADA after spokesperson claiming Jannik Sinner doping case ruling was 'incorrect'

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has hit back at the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for their recent comments about the case involving the former world number one Jannik Sinner.

The 23-year-old, who is widely regarded as the best player currently playing in men’s tennis in the singles category, has been in the news for the wrong reasons after being tested positive for banned substances on two occasions in March last year. However, despite that, Sinner managed to escape any ban.

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The ITIA, in a detailed verdict last year, announced that they found the player innocent in the case. The player’s counsel claimed that the availability of the substance in the player’s sample was because of receiving a cream for the treatment of an injury from one member of the coaching staff.

Recently, WADA spokesperson James Fitzgerald spoke about the matter in detail, claiming that the ITIA’s decision was incorrect. "We believe that the conclusion of no fault or negligence is incorrect under the current rules, and we are requesting a suspension period of between one and two years. WADA is not seeking to annul any results other than those already imposed in the first instance.”

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The ITIA has released a statement in response to the comments from the WADA spokesperson where they clarified that the decision regarding Sinner was taken following the guidelines provided by WADA.

“We acknowledge the announcement made by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), concerning the agreement reached between WADA and Jannik Sinner to settle WADA’s appeal,” the statement said. ”The original process was run according to the World Anti-Doping Code and Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. Following a thorough investigation by the ITIA (including advice from WADA accredited laboratories), we were satisfied that the player had established the source of the prohibited substance and that the breach was unintentional. Today’s outcome supports this finding. The ITIA referred the matter to an independent panel which reached a decision of "No Fault or Negligence” and therefore no suspension based on the facts and their application of the rules. The three-month outcome was only possible by agreement between WADA and the player.” 

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