Jannik Sinner‘s lawyer defended the Italian star, saying “no one is accusing” him of boosting his performance with the banned substance, Clostebol. The World No. 1 is facing a heavy suspension threat after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) launched an appeal against an independent tribunal’s “no negligence or fault” ruling for his two positive tests earlier this year in March at the Indian Wells Masters.

The tribunal accepted the 23-year-old’s explanation of how the anabolic steroid entered his system. The aftermath of his doping saga prompted him to fire his physiotherapist and fitness coach due to the incident. However, WADA approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport seeking a sentence reversal and a 1-2 year ban on the two-time Grand Slam champion. “It is Wada’s view that the finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ was not correct under the applicable rules”. Subsequently, Sinner’s lawyer, Jamie Singer, chimed in to address the severity of the situation.

Speaking to ‘Gazzetta‘, Singer noted that WADA’s call for retrial is uncalled for. He also highlighted that the agency reasonably wants the Italian star held accountable for his team’s actions… and not penalize him by stripping him of his ranking points or prize money. “This request is completely reasonable. In fact, no one accuses Jannik of having taken advantage of Clostebol in his performances. For this reason, it would be unfair to penalize him in the rankings or in his earnings. However, WADA believes that he is somehow responsible for the actions of his team, and for this reason, they ask for him to be punished. The suspension is the punishment they ask for what they consider negligence.”

After rallying past Roman Saufillin to advance in the China Open‘s last eight, Sinner expressed his disappointment in acknowledging the shock appeal. “I’m very disappointed and also surprised by this appeal, to be honest, because we had three hearings. All three hearings came out very positively for me.” Despite facing such nerve-wracking legal challenges, the World No. 1 hasn’t lost his touch on the court.

Jannik Sinner’s resilience helps him register a comeback victory in Beijing

Italian superstar Jannik Sinner isn’t letting his doping saga dictate the terms of his on-court commitments. Fresh off his US Open triumph, the 23-year-old commenced his Asian hardcourt swing, hoping to add more silverware to his resume. Sinner is storming through the China Open with all his might. Most recently, the young Italian secured a comeback victory against Roman Safiullin, despite feeling out of sorts with his top form.

In an on-court interview, Sinner said: “I tried to keep up mentally, which today was very tough. Especially on these kinds of days, when maybe you don’t feel at your 100 percent, to find a way through means so much to me. He’s an incredible player, so I knew I had to raise my level when it counted.”

Next up, the top seed will square off against Jiri Lehecka for a place in the last four. Both players clashed for the first time on the Tour earlier this season, with Sinner registering a 1-0 victory in their head-to-head record. Their second encounter will kick off on Monday, September 30, in Beijing.