Jannik Sinner and his doping saga is a story that don’t seem to end anytime soon. It all started back in March 2024 when he tested positive for Clostebol, a banned performance-enhancing drug. In late August, ITIA revealed an independent tribunal’s claim that Sinner bore ‘No Fault or Negligence’ and can continue playing. But, the recent interventions by WADA(on September 26th) have reignited the debate yet again. Throughout this whole process, Sinner has been handed the favoritism tag. But is that the case? Is he really ATP’s favorite child?

Jannik Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, in an interview in August this year suggested that the Italian had an unfair advantage over his peers. While he had the required facilities to fight off the case, players ranked 300-400 might not have the same advantages. “The one I will say though is, it makes it a little bit easier for someone that’s highly ranked because you can afford to fight this case properly and fairly,” said Cahill. However, the former tennis player Mark Petchey does not think as Cahill does.

On September 29’s Tennis Channel Live Podcast, Petchey suggested that Sinner “hired the correct people who understand the anti-doping laws…” He further added, “If you can prove where it(contamination) came from within 24 hours…this is open to any player on the Tour…you can go and get that provisional suspension removed. So, Jannik, at this moment, hasn’t been treated any differently by anyone. Legally, he has absolutely followed every single pathway that he is legally allowed to do.”

WADA’s recent intervention has put more salt to the Italian’s wounds. While he had to compromise with his $325,000 paycheck and 400 ranking points that he earned as a semifinalist at the Indian Wells earlier this year, he could now suffer a 1 or 2-year ban. Speaking about the whole drama, Sinner clearly showed his disappointment.

Jannik Sinner suggests that he is disappointed with the WADA’s appeal

“Disappointed and also surprised,” is what Jannik Sinner suggested after WADA’s recent appeal made it to the public. “I understand these things need to be thoroughly investigated to maintain the integrity of the sport we all love. However, it is difficult to see what will be gained by asking a different set of three judges to look at the same facts and documentation all over again,” said Sinner while clearing out his stance.

Jannik Sinner added that he had nothing to hide amidst the ongoing debate and is ready to cooperate to make sure that things end smoothly. Currently playing at the China Open, he is set to face Jiri Lehecka in the quarter-finals.

Thus, with so much at stake for the Italian star, what do you think the future holds for him? Will he be handed a 1/2 year ban from the sport or will he be coming out clean at the end? What are your thoughts on this? Do let us know in the comments below!