PTPA CEO slams doping system after Jannik Sinner’s suspension: “The solution here is not to treat him more unfairly"

PTPA CEO Ahmad Nassar criticised the doping system following the outcome of Jannik Sinner’s case. The PTPA has found itself in the spotlight after taking legal action against what it calls a corrupt, illegal, and abusive system, with the world No. 1’s case resurfacing once again.

After Sinner’s positive test was discovered, the Italian avoided suspension because there was ‘no fault or negligence,’ according to the ITIA investigation. The case was revived after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed, threatening a suspension of one to two years.

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However, Sinner reached an agreement with WADA and accepted a three-month suspension, which he is currently serving. PTPA CEO Ahmad Nassar expressed his belief that punishing Sinner makes no sense after he was found innocent. “I’ve been consistent and clear on Jannik’s case. He was treated unfairly by an out-of-control, illegal, and not-fit-for-purpose anti-doping program,” he said.

Nonetheless, Nassar acknowledged that the opposition from some players, who claim unfair treatment, also has some justification, although suspending Sinner is not the solution. “At the same time, others have pointed out that he seems to have been treated less unfairly than many other players.”

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“The solution here is not to treat him more unfairly, in line with other players. Nor is the solution even to treat other players as unfairly as Jannik. Our solution is to treat all players fairly!

“If someone is not at fault, as adjudicated by the ITIA and WADA, how is it possible that the case still took nearly a year to be resolved, and still resulted in a three-month suspension that is still being served as we speak? The system is not working and must change.”

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Jannik Sinner’s suspension will end on 9 May, and he will return to action at the Masters 1000 Rome Open. A week later, he will compete at the ATP 500 Hamburg Open, both serving as his preparation events before the next Grand Slam at Roland Garros.

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