“That would make him the worst dumbest doper”: Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters on WADA's Sinner appeal
ATPTuesday, 01 October 2024 at 19:30
Kim Clijsters and Andy Roddick discussed WADA’s appeal against Jannik Sinner following two positive doping tests for Clostebol. The World Anti-Doping Agency confirmed on Thursday, September 25, that it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the decision to leave Sinner unsanctioned.
A few weeks ago, just before the US Open, the CAS determined that Sinner was innocent due to negligence after an investigation revealed minimal contamination of his blood caused by his physiotherapist. The physiotherapist applied a cream containing the substance to his own hands and later treated Sinner without gloves, allowing small amounts of Clostebol to enter the world No. 1’s body.
WADA believes the finding of “no fault or negligence” for Sinner was not correct under the applicable rules. They are pushing for a one- to two-year suspension. Unlike other players in doping cases, Sinner was not suspended from the Tour and only lost points and prize money from Indian Wells.
As the controversy reignites weeks after the US Open, Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters discussed WADA's appeal on the American's podcast.
"My opinion was basically, Jannik Sinner to put what is now going to be a Hall of Fame career at risk for no physical benefit,” Roddick said. “In my mind, that would have made him the worst dumbest doper that had ever lived, right? And I just don’t see a world where he would intentionally take on that amount of risk for no benefit.”
The 2003 US Open champion then asked the 4-time Grand Slam champion if she agreed with his view. Clijsters, who spoke with Sinner at Flushing Meadows, said she trusts in his innocence: “I think you summed it up very well. It’s a very tough situation to form an opinion on. I agreed; my opinion hasn’t changed since I spoke to him at the US Open,” the Belgian former world No. 1 commented.
“I think, or my feeling at the moment is that WADA needs to prove a point or make sure that in the future, this negligence issue doesn’t get used to actually do things wrong.”
Clijsters added, “I think it’s more about protecting the reputation of the anti-doping committee, and WADA needs to go further with this to ensure that negligence doesn’t become an excuse used by other players—saying, ‘Oh, I didn’t know my coach did this,’ or, ‘I didn’t know my trainer did something.’ My feeling is they almost have to pursue this to stay relevant.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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