Jannik Sinner’s failed drug tests: Novak Djokovic delivers criticism in verdict on anti-doping appeal
Novak Djokovic has given his reaction to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s decision to appeal the “no fault or negligence” verdict reached over Jannik Sinner’s failed drug tests. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced last month that Sinner would not receive a ban for failing two anti-doping in March after an independent tribunal ruled he was not…
Novak Djokovic has given his reaction to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s decision to appeal the “no fault or negligence” verdict reached over Jannik Sinner’s failed drug tests.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced last month that Sinner would not receive a ban for failing two anti-doping in March after an independent tribunal ruled he was not to blame.
The Italian star tested positive for low levels of clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid, on March 10 and 18 — during and after the Indian Wells Masters.
The tribunal accepted Sinner’s explanation that the substance had entered his body when receiving a massage from his physio, who had used a spray containing the steroid to treat a cut on their finger.
However, it was revealed on Saturday that WADA had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to impose a ban of up to two years on the world No 1.
A statement from WADA said: “It is WADA’s view that the finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ was not correct under the applicable rules.
“WADA is seeking a period of ineligibility of between one and two years. WADA is not seeking a disqualification of any results, save that which has already been imposed by the tribunal of first instance.”
