No Decision on Sinner Doping Case Before New Year – WADA

The doping case involving tennis star Jannik Sinner will not be resolved by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) before the end of the year, confirmed the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Sinner, the Italian world number one, tested positive for the banned substance clostebol in March but was initially exonerated by an independent tribunal in August, which found no fault or negligence. The tribunal accepted Sinner’s explanation that the substance entered his system via a spray used by his physiotherapist.

WADA appealed the decision and is seeking a ban of up to two years, arguing that athletes remain responsible for their entourage’s actions. WADA director general Olivier Niggli stated that while the contamination claim is not disputed, the case raises legal questions about the application of anti-doping rules.

The case has drawn attention alongside a separate incident involving women’s world number two Iga Swiatek, who accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine in August 2024. Niggli emphasized the importance of protecting athletes’ reputations in an era where social media can quickly damage public perception.