Italian tennis legend Adriano Panatta has been quick to defend his compatriot Jannik Sinner after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced an appeal against the world number one’s doping case.
Jannik Sinner risks 2-year ban
Sinner has enjoyed a good few weeks in recent weeks, having won the US Open and cemented his place as world No. 1 in the ATP rankings. Few have mentioned his doping scandal, despite it becoming public knowledge ahead of the US Open.
It was a big story, but it was quickly overshadowed by what Sinner did on the tennis court. The US Open went relatively smoothly for Sinner, and it was an emotional experience because he wasn’t exactly in the best of spirits.
There was a lot of pressure, the media was constantly following him, and initially, some fans were not on his side. But Sinner proved himself once again on the field and felt relieved with the final result.
That relief, however, was short-lived. News that WADA was appealing his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) complicated matters further.
Now, Jannik Siner could be banned from competing for 1 to 2 years. The Italian tennis player was extremely disappointed with this information.
He issued a statement, stressing that WADA had the right to appeal, although it left him frustrated. CAS will now decide on the Italian’s innocence.
Although the case is still pending, tennis legend Adriano Panatta, was quick to defend Sinner and declare his innocence. Panatta pointed out that the manner in which he was exposed to the banned substance could be evidence of Sinner’s innocence.
“Sinner is innocent. The amount of substance detected was very small, we know that Clostebol is very easily transmitted, just a handshake is enough. This could have been a mistake, or due to the carelessness of the physiotherapist,” Panatta said of Sinner’s innocence.
The court ruling could take some time and could be announced at the start of the 2025 season, according to the latest reports from Italy. As for the appeal, Panatta said it is not democratic.
“The appeals system is not democratic. I believe in Sinner’s innocence, but I also believe in the right to a full defense, even for those with fewer resources,” Panatta said of WADA’s appeal.
If the original ruling is upheld, Sinner will continue his career as if nothing happened. However, if WADA wins the appeal, the Italian’s tennis career could change completely.
Sinner will be hoping that doesn’t happen and has plenty of games to distract him, having admitted to having sleepless nights after the news broke, suggesting the incident has had a big impact on his mental health.
