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Jannik Sinner's controversial doping saga was recently assessed by Richard Ings, formerly ATP's anti-doping head and CEO of Australia's anti-doping authority. Ings dismissed the incessant arguments from several sections of the tennis fraternity that the authorities attemped to cover-up the Italian's two positive tests for clostebol, a banned substance.
His take cleared the air surrounding the controversy, and fans weighed in with their own opinions as well.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Tuesday, August 20 that the Italian had tested positive for clostebol twice in March this year. The first test was carried out amid the 23-year-old's BNP Paribas Open campaign in Indian Wells, where he reached the semifinals.
The second was carried out shortly after the conclusion of Jannik Sinner's Indian Wells campaign, ahead of his title-winning run at the Miami Open.
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A provisional suspension was meted out to the reigning Australian Open champion in April. However, Sinner's legal team appealed against the suspension on the same day, and it was soon lifted, as the Italian claimed that he had ingested the banned substance accidentally via the skin lesions on his body after his physiotherapist massaged him.
According to evidence presented by Sinner's legal defense, the physio used a spray containing clostebol to treat a cut on his finger, and did not use gloves while massaging the Italian.
The revelation of these details sparked a massive outrage, with many players and fans claiming that Jannik Sinner had received preferential treatment. There were several others who questioned why the developments were made public so long after they had taken place, suggesting that the authorities were scrambling to keep the case under wraps.
However, Ings has put those conspiracy theories to bed by saying that Jannik Sinner's case was handled exactly according to the established rules and regulations.
"I read the decision, and the rules were followed to the letter. Sinner was provisionally suspended. His lawyers launched a same-day appeal for urgent lifting of the provisional suspension based on evidence he had no fault. An expedited hearing in such cases is a feature of the rules. An arbitrator heard the appeal and handed down his decision to lift the suspension. No announcement can be made under the rules now until the matter is heard in full by a tribunal. So he can play," Ings told Ubitennis.
Fans on Reddit later voiced how the opinion of a credible figure like Ings helped them understand the intricacies of the case, which kept it from being publicized earlier.
"So this also answers the question of why this verdict was even announced at all 4 months later (the ATP was required to strip his points, so of course they can't retroactively do that without telling everyone)," a fan wrote.
"Seems like Sinner being rich helped him afford a better legal team which navigated the matter better than in the case of less privileged, lower ranking players? Not saying this is right but that’s how things work for the rich in every legal battle," commented another fan.
"Darren Cahill even acknowledged this in his interview with ESPN. Said Jannik's success and finances allowed him to seek the best advice and he was able to get the best outcome as a result, which isn't necessarily available to everyone on tour who doesn't have the means," another chimed in.
"The process and outcome was also super similar to a case earlier in the year for a much lower ranked player - so can technically be achieved without being number 1," added another fan, referring to the case of doubles specialist Marco Bortolotti.
Another set of fans ridiculed Nick Kyrgios, Denis Shapovalov and Tennys Sandgren, who all criticized the ITIA's decision with regards to Jannik Sinnner's case.
"Hey, why listen to the former head of atp antidoping when you can stir s**t up along with your boy Kyrgios?" asked a fan, sarcastically.
"Nick "I can't believe she left me and now is with Sinner" Kyrgios, homeboy was beefing on twitter about their relationships when he found out (then deleted the posts)" another fan commented.
"I find it rather delicious that we’re not even mentioning Shapovalov," weighed in another.
"And Tennys Sandgren! The guy was trying hard to be relevant yesterday, let’s not forget him!!!" another added.
Despite Ings' assessment and the detailed explanations into the case provided by coach Darren Cahill, there is likely to be increased scrutiny on Jannik Sinner's 2024 US Open campaign.
Jannik Sinner slated to start US Open 2024 campaign against Mackenzie McDonald
Jannik Sinner is the top seed in the 2024 US Open men's singles draw, and he is set to get his campaign at Flushing Meadows underway against former World No. 37 Mackenzie McDonald on Tuesday, August 27. The World No. 1 has faced McDonald on three previous occasions on the ATP Tour, and won all of their encounters.
Jannik Sinner is one of the favorites for this year's US Open title. The Italian also got a significant confidence boost recently by clinching his third ATP Masters 1000 title at the Cincinnati Open, overcoming Frances Tiafoe 7-6(4), 6-2 in the final.
The World No. 1's best finish at the US Open came in 2022, when he reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz.
