Jannik Sinner’s doping controversy has taken a new turn as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the player’s acquittal. The appeal comes after Sinner tested positive for an anabolic agent in March but avoided a ban due to an independent tribunal accepting his defense of unintentional contamination.
WADA is seeking a period of ineligibility of between one and two years for Sinner, who has been a rising star in tennis, winning the Australian Open and US Open titles this year. The CAS has registered the appeal and will begin proceedings related to the doping issue.
The decision of the CAS Panel will be final and binding, with the exception of the right of the parties to appeal to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court within 30 days for limited reasons. If CAS rules in WADA’s favor, Sinner could face a suspension of several months.
Salvatore Civale, president of the Association of Sports Lawyers and UEFA and FIFA Legal Aid projects, believes that Sinner’s suspension could be “a couple of months of disqualification.” He suggests that an agreement between the parties could spread the suspension over a period with fewer sporting commitments.
Sinner’s doping controversy has cast a shadow over his impressive season. The Italian player will be hoping that the CAS verdict goes in his favor and allows him to continue his promising career without further interruptions.
