“The application of the rules does not correspond to the case law”: WADA director provides details on the appeal against Jannik Sinner.
ATP
Jannik
Sinner's doping case remains unresolved as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
awaits the result of its appeal. Director Olivier Niggli discussed the key
element in this phase of the process while waiting for a new ruling.
The World
No. 1 tested positive twice for clostebol in March during Indian Wells. Sinner
appealed and avoided a provisional suspension, and later, the International
Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) ruled that he had committed "no fault or
negligence."
WADA targets Sinner's team responsibility
Sinner was
exposed to clostebol due to the actions of a team member. His physiotherapist
treated cuts on his hands with a skin cream containing clostebol shortly before
massaging Sinner. Allegedly, the lack of gloves and small cuts on Sinner's legs
led to clostebol entering his body.
It was,
however, a minuscule amount that reportedly did not affect his performance. The
23-year-old tennis star disclosed the situation in August, shortly before
starting his US Open campaign. While it seemed Sinner could put the issue
behind him, WADA announced in October that it would appeal to the Court of
Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a suspension of one to two years.
For now,
there will be no ruling until 2025, and Sinner is confirmed to compete in the
Australian Open. However, CAS is expected to deliver a new resolution in the
coming months. In recent remarks to AFP, WADA’s director general Olivier Niggli
stated that their aim is not to prove Sinner’s "guilt" but rather to
address the level of responsibility he must assume for his team’s decisions.
"Our
position is that there is still a responsibility of the athlete in relation to
his entourage. So it is this legal point that will be debated (before
CAS)," Niggli told AFP. "We do not dispute the fact that it could
have been a contamination. But we believe that the application of the rules
does not correspond to the case law."
Niggli also
emphasized the importance of protecting athletes in such cases, particularly
their reputations. "Personally, I think that protecting an athlete’s
reputation should be our first concern. We live in a world where social media
is what it is, and this means a reputation can go up in smoke in a very, very
short time."
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
