jannik
Jannik Sinner, the world number one, claimed on Monday that he is in “a very difficult moment” and is having trouble sleeping due to his doping issue. The 23-year-old is under further scrutiny after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Saturday that it was seeking a ban of up to two years after he tested positive for residues of the steroid clostebol twice in March.
In August, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared the Italian of wrongdoing, and a few weeks later, he won his second major title at the US Open. The ITIA accepted Sinner’s account that the substance entered his system when his physiotherapist used a spray containing it to treat a cut before administering massage and sports therapy to the athlete.
Overall, it’s not a scenario I enjoy being in; it’s an extremely delicate, challenging, and unusual one,” Sinner said in Beijing after defeating Jiri Lehecka 6-2, 7-6 (8/6).
“I am sure I experienced restless nights throughout this period. Again, it will not be simple.”
WADA has challenged the decision to clear him to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), reigniting the dispute.
“Obviously disappointed that I am again in this situation,” Sinner was saying.
“I just try to keep somehow focused on my profession and doing everything I can to be ready for each match.
But, sure, this is a really difficult time for me and my staff.”
The ITIA determined that Sinner “bears no fault or negligence” in the high-profile case and allowed him to continue playing.
WADA issued this statement on Saturday: “It is WADA’s view that the finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ was not correct under the applicable rules.”jannik
