WADA calls for Jannik Sinner to be banned 'between one and two years'

In a stunning turn of events, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed against an independent tribunal's decision to clear World No. 1 Jannik Sinner of blame after he failed two tests for a banned substance earlier this year.

Last month, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) ruled that Sinner bore "no fault or negligence" for twice testing positive for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024. ITIA backed up the Italian's defense that his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, inadvertently contaminated him with the steroid. Sinner has since stopped working with Naldi.

On Friday, WADA rejected the independent tribunal's verdict , stating it was "not correct under the applicable rules." WADA appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and issued a statement calling for Sinner to be banned from pro tennis for "between one and two years . "

"WADA is seeking a period of ineligibility of between one and two years," the statement read. "WADA is not seeking a disqualification of any results, save that which has already been imposed by the tribunal of first instance. As this matter is now pending before CAS, WADA will make no further comment at this time."

When WADA's appeal was announced, Sinner was on the court playing Roman Safiullin in the fourth round of the China Open in Beijing. After beating the Russian to advance to the quarterfinals, he addressed the media about WADA's verdict. Sinner is scheduled to face Jiri Lehecka in the next round.

In response to WADA's appeal to the CAS, the ITIA issued the following statement via The Guardian:

"The process [of clearing Sinner] was run according to World Anti-Doping Code guidelines; however, the ITIA acknowledges and respects Wada's right to appeal the independent tribunal's decision."

Although ITIA cleared Sinner of doping charges, the tribunal that investigated his case suggested that the ATP strip him of his ranking points and prize money for reaching the semifinals of the Indian Wells — the event where he tested positive for clostebol. It remains to be seen if WADA's appeal leads to any other significant ramifications for Sinner, who captured two major titles in 2024.

Sinner won the U.S. Open barely three weeks after he was cleared by the ITIA.