“If an athlete who tests positive for a prohibited substance does not have to explain where it came from, or how it entered his system, it would be all too easy for the cheater to escape significant sanctions,” WADA said, in their recent statement on Jannik Sinner‘s ongoing doping controversy. The authority has urged for a minimum of a one-year ban to send a strong message to the ones who test positive. After this, WADA spokesperson James Fitzgerald dropped another bold verdict against the ATP star.

James Fitzgerald, spokesman for WADA, reiterated the agency’s current stance on Jannik Sinner’s case. “We believe that the conclusion of ‘no fault or negligence’ was not correct under current rules, and is calling for a suspension period of between one and two years. WADA is not calling for the cancellation of any results, except those already imposed in the first instance,” he said. This statement reinforces WADA’s belief that Jannik Sinner should face consequences despite being cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The case will now be reviewed in a closed-door hearing on April 16-17.

“The issue of possible contamination is real and WADA is addressing it,” Fitzgerald explained. He added that the World Anti-Doping Code is constantly revised to ensure fairness for athletes who are unintentionally exposed to banned substances while preventing intentional doping. Over time, minimum reporting limits for substances have been adjusted, but WADA remains firm in its stance that even small traces of banned substances must be carefully assessed.

There are also concerns that low doses of certain substances can be used to mask the presence of stronger performance-enhancing drugs. “It is well known that some substances can be taken in order to mask the ingestion of others,” Fitzgerald said. This highlights why WADA is taking the Sinner case seriously, as allowing a “no-fault” ruling could set a precedent for future doping cases.

Sinner had tested positive for Clostebol in March 2024, with a concentration of less than one billionth of a gram per liter. The contamination was linked to his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, who had applied a Clostebol-based cream to treat a wound. ITIA ruled that Sinner was not at fault or negligent, as the banned substance was transferred unintentionally through muscle treatment. Despite this, WADA is challenging the ruling, arguing that current anti-doping rules do not support a complete lack of responsibility in such cases.

If WADA’s appeal is successful, Sinner could face a suspension of up to two years, putting his status as World No. 1 and his career at risk. However, if ITIA’s ruling is upheld, he will be cleared to continue competing without restrictions.

PTPA makes its position clear on Jannik Sinner’s doping saga

Ahmad Nassar, executive director of the PTPA, voiced his opinion on Jannik Sinner’s case through his official X profile. “In Jannik’s specific case, he was put in an unfair situation. The ITIA claims it followed its process and rules. WADA disagrees and feels the need to push back on the ITIA. Unfortunately, this was not a surprising result to people like Tara Moore and myself. That doesn’t mean we agree with the substance of WADA’s appeal, or the ITIA’s original decision,” Nassar wrote. He pointed out that the entire process has left Sinner caught between two organizations that disagree on how his case should be handled.

Nassar also highlighted the delays in resolving Sinner’s case, calling it unfair. “Neither the ITIA nor WADA are really disputing the underlying facts in Jannik’s case. That’s important – and also unfair. He is, in effect, caught up in a political/legal dispute between the ITIA and WADA. And he is still waiting nearly a year later to have his case fully resolved. Again, that is unfair,” he stated.

The PTPA, which was founded by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil, has pledged to support Sinner and other players facing similar legal battles. To ensure fairness in anti-doping cases, the association has launched a program offering legal assistance to athletes, regardless of their financial background.

The PTPA’s new initiative includes partnerships with top law firms to help players mount a proper defense. This move is particularly important for lower-ranked athletes who may not have the financial resources to challenge doping accusations effectively. The issue of fairness in anti-doping rulings has gained attention after cases like Iga Swiatek’s, who served a one-month suspension for a doping violation at the end of 2024, while Simona Halep received a much harsher ban for a similar issue. The PTPA hopes to address these inconsistencies and create a more balanced system for all athletes.