Weeks passed, and it seemed Jannik Sinner‘s doping controversy was behind him. However, the situation took a dramatic turn earlier today as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sought a lengthy ban for the world No. 1. This renewed push has reignited discussions, drawing reactions from various figures, including Coco Gauff’s former coach, who expressed concern over the implications of WADA’s latest move.

WADA has taken a firm stance on Jannik Sinner’s case, noting that the Independent tribunal’s decision of “no fault or negligence” was improper under the applicable standards. As a result, WADA is now seeking a ban of one to two years for Sinner, signaling a strong response to the doping charges.

Talking about it, Coco Gauff’s ex-coach, Brad Gilbert, wrote on X, “I am completely disheveled by this Wada decision,  was 8000 times smaller then a gram of salt 🧂 this now will unfortunately take months to figure out, where is the players representation on this, other then Sin City 🌆 paying for his own lawyers.”

The situation has intensified for Jannik Sinner, who has expressed his disappointment and surprise at WADA’s appeal. After rallying to defeat Roman Safiullin and advance to the China Open quarter-finals, Sinner voiced his dismay, as he said, “I’m very disappointed and also surprised by the appeal. I was not expecting it. Maybe they just want to make sure everything is in the right position,” reflecting on this unexpected turn of events.

Meanwhile, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) took a different stance on the ongoing discussions surrounding Jannik Sinner’s case. They released a statement which read, “The ITIA acknowledges the [Wada] decision to appeal the ruling of no fault or negligence in the case of Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner, issued by an independent tribunal appointed by Sport Resolutions on 19 August 2024.” 

Adding to the growing discourse, the president of the Italian Tennis Federation has also weighed in on the Jannik Sinner situation, as the debate surrounding the World No.1’s future in the sport amplifies.

Italian Tennis Federation president hopes good for Sinner

Angelo Binaghi, who is the president of the Italian Tennis Federation, has said that he believes the verdict of the CAS will go in Sinner’s favor. “We have great confidence in the CAS, which will have to put an end to the case. Sinner has on his side not only the evidence of the facts but also the acquittal by three independent bodies. I am sure that the only effect of Wada’s appeal will be positive, because it will establish the boy’s innocence and put an end to this affair once and for all, giving us back a champion in full serenity,” Binaghi said.

Another example of a player who was let off by an Independent Tribunal after being provisionally suspended for failed dope test was Tara Moore. But Moore had to sit out for more than a year before being cleared. In Sinner’s case, the decision of the tribunal was far quicker. Now with WADA coming into picture though, Sinner might be in trouble again. As the tennis world waits for CAS to make its ruling, Sinner hopes with bated breath and fingers crossed that it goes in his favor.