Jannik Sinner's lawyer clarifies WADA appeal in doping verdict, next steps in case after calls for 2-year ban on World No. 1

Jannik Sinner's lawyer, Jamie Singer, has formally addressed the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) decision to challenge the Italian tennis player's doping case. Sinner tested positive for Clostebol, with a minuscule amount of the substance detected in his sample. The Independent Tribunal for the International Tennis Federation (ITIA) ruled that Sinner was not at fault or negligent, resulting in the avoidance of a ban.

Recently, WADA declared that it would appeal the 'no fault or negligence' ruling, and sought a ban for up to two years. The tennis world has been shaken since WADA announced its decision. Carlos Alcaraz and Boris Becker have provided support to the World No. 1, while Nick Kyrgios has taken a contrary stance.

Now, Sinner's lawyer, Jamie Singer, has issued a clarification regarding WADA's decision to appeal the verdict. In an interview with 'La Gazzetta dello Sport,' Singer expressed surprise at the doping agency's decision, stating that they believed the matter had been appropriately resolved.

"We were surprised too, to be honest. We hoped that the experience of the three specialists of the Sport Resolution Panel, and their well-substantiated and documented judgements, would convince the parties that the matter had been resolved correctly," Singer said.

Singer further explained that WADA did not seek to deduct any points or strip Sinner of his prize money, as the doping agency did not allege that Clostebol had enhanced his performance. Therefore, these additional penalties were not pursued.

"This request makes complete sense. No one, in fact, accuses Jannik of having benefited in his performances thanks to Clostebol. For this reason it would be unfair to penalize him in the ranking or in earnings. However, Wada believes that he is somehow responsible for the actions of the his team and for this reason he requests that he be punished," he said.

Singer also discussed how WADA's decision has impacted the team's morale. While acknowledging WADA's right to challenge the ruling, he expressed the belief that an appeal was unnecessary in this particular case.

“We are all aware that Wada has the full right to take this action, it was within its power to appeal and we know how complicated the work of supervising doping and the integrity of the world of sport is. Having said that, we believe that the appeal was not really necessary," he added.

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Jannik Sinner's lawyer Jamie Singer: "We hope to be able to close in a few months"

Jannik Sinner at the 2024 French Open (Image via Getty)

Jannik Sinner's lawyer, Jamie Singer, while in conversation with 'La Gazzetta dello Sport' said that they hoped to resolve the matter in a few months. He said there were a few technical deadlines that needed to be respected, adding that they were waiting to receive all the details regarding the WADA appeal.

"There are technical deadlines that must obviously be respected and therefore we don't know when we will arrive at the definitive solution. We are waiting to receive all the details of the WADA appeal (the deposition of the appeal brief must be presented by October 10th, ed.). The CAS will then define the judging panel and decide the date of the hearing. We hope to be able to close in a few months," Singer said.

Sinner, too, has reacted to WADA's decision to appeal, expressing his disappointment and surprise during a press conference at the 2024 China Open.