Ex-Tennis Pro Delivers Concerning Claim Amid Doping Row

Former tennis player Daniele Bracciali has warned that Jannik Sinner is almost certain to face suspension once the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) appeal on his doping case reaches the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Earlier this year, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) had cleared Sinner, determining his Clostebol contamination was accidental.

Background on the Case

Sinner twice tested positive for Clostebol, a banned substance, in March 2024:

1. BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells): Sinner reached the semifinals.
2. ATP Masters 1000 Event: He was tested shortly after the event.

ITIA’s Initial Decision

The ITIA provisionally suspended Sinner. However, Sinner’s legal team provided evidence showing accidental exposure to Clostebol through his physio, Giacomo Naldi. Consequently, the suspension was lifted, and Sinner was allowed to continue competing. The ITIA even conducted an independent investigation, ultimately concluding that Sinner was not at fault, allowing him to remain active on the ATP Tour.

WADA’s Appeal and Bracciali’s View

In August 2024, WADA appealed ITIA’s ruling to CAS, which confirmed it will hear the appeal. Daniele Bracciali, a former player banned for life due to match-fixing, expressed his view (via Mowmag.com):

“How will the Sinner case end? Unfortunately, knowing the environment of WADA and ITIA, I believe that a disqualification will almost certainly arrive. It is not right to disqualify a tennis player if it is found that he has not taken drugs to improve performance and in the case of the Italian it really has not changed anything. Objective responsibility in this situation is a real scam.”

Sinner’s Reaction to WADA’s Appeal

At a 2024 Rolex Shanghai Masters press conference, Sinner expressed surprise about the appeal:

“I’m a bit surprised, but in another way, I knew that potentially this could happen. It happened, I’m still surprised, but I will collaborate like I did before. I’m very confident that it comes out very positively, or I would be very, very surprised if it would be the opposite side. You know, it’s not a situation where I feel comfortable in, that’s for sure, because I thought it was over.”

Current Status and Upcoming Events

• Shanghai Masters: Sinner clinched the title.
• Rolex Paris Masters: Sinner has recently pulled out.
• Nitto ATP Finals (Turin, Italy): Scheduled for November 2024.