Jannik Sinner is not out of the woods.
Testing positive last March, the Italian was initially cleared by an independent tribunal before the World Anti-Doping Agency, dissatisfied with the decision, appealed.
The agency even requested a suspension of one to two years.
After reacting at a press conference, the world number 1 published a statement on social networks to express his disappointment, but also his confidence in his own innocence.
He explains: “I am disappointed to learn that WADA has chosen to appeal the outcome of my ITIA hearing after the independent judges exonerated me as innocent.
Over the past few months and throughout this process, there have been three separate hearings, each confirming my innocence.
After several months of interviews and investigations, three top judges examined every detail in a formal hearing.
They rendered a thorough judgment explaining why they believed I was not at fault, thanks to clear evidence and my cooperation throughout the process.
Based on such a robust process, the ITIA and the Italian Anti-Doping Authority accepted it and waived their appeal rights.
I understand that these things need to be thoroughly investigated to preserve the integrity of the sport we all love.
However, it is difficult to see what will be gained by having a different group of three judges review the same facts and documents again.
That being said, I have nothing to hide and, as I have done throughout the summer, I will cooperate fully with the appeal process and provide whatever may be necessary to prove my innocence once moreover.
I will make no further comments.”
