Jannik Sinner claimed his 2nd Grand Slam of the year, celebrated with his girlfriend, and went to the China Open. And if everyone thought that the dark times were past Sinner, they couldn’t be more wrong. The recent development in the World No.1’s doping scandal in the form of WADA’s appeal against him, has brought the spotlight back on the issue. And Nick Kyrgios couldn’t help but be happy about Sinner’s misery and appeal.

The doping saga that unfolded during the hard court swing had everyone at the edge of their seats throughout the US Open. Jannik Sinner tested positive twice for the anabolic steroid, Clostebol, back in March. However, the world became aware of it when ITIA granted him a clean chit, stating that he “bears no fault or negligence” for the positive tests. This drew criticism from various prominent names, including the Aussie star, Kyrgios. However, 2 days ago Sinner’s doping scandal saw a new dynamic.

Today, Eurosport announced this news on their Instagram handle with the caption, “WADA confirms appeal against world No.1, Jannik Sinner, who was found by the ITIA to bear no fault or negligence despite testing positive for a prohibited substance in March 2024.” Kyrgios liked the post and even appeared in the comments.

Kyrgios seemed to take a hilarious dig at the Italian as he said, “Hahahahhahahahha….God, I hope the people running this thing don’t care that he is number 1 and has money,” as per the The TennisONE App’s X post.

Fresh Update: The comment now seems to have been deleted.

However, Kyrgios has shared a story featuring the Euro Sports post while taking another dig, with the caption, “HAHAHHAHAH Maybe not be so innocent after all eh?” 

When Sharapova and Halep faced similar charges, the proceedings were transparent from the day they tested positive for the banned substance. However, Sinner’s case was kept under wraps until the final verdict was out. Hence, more than the doping, the path to resolve it raised eyebrows around the circuit. However, WADA’s appeal has given the dissents a voice.

Jannik Sinner in troubled waters as WADA seeks ban for upto two years

During the trial by ITIA from March till the verdict, Sinner was suspended cumulatively for a week at most. Many tennis enthusiasts and players found the whole proceeding “strange” as they put it. And everyone has been waiting for WADA’s take since the conclusion of the US Open. And finally, WADA shared its view on ITIA’s decision.

The statement released by the organization on September 28th stated, “It is WADA’s view that the finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ was not correct under the applicable rules. WADA is seeking a period of ineligibility of between one and two years. WADA is not seeking a disqualification of any results, save that which has already been imposed by the tribunal of first instance.”

On the brighter side, Sinner would be able to keep his Grand Slam and titles won during the controversial time period. However, the Italian could face a ban for a year or more, derailing his tennis career at the beginning.