"This is not the fault of Jannik Sinner": Tara Moore slams ITIA, highlights Novak Djokovic-led PTPA's efforts as WADA appeals Italian’s doping verdict

Jannik Sinner's 'no fault' doping verdict has reportedly taken a new turn as WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) has appealed the Italian's verdict to CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport). British tennis player Tara Moore has called out the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) for the lack of consistency in their procedure.

The tennis world was sent into a frenzy when it was announced that Sinner had tested positive for Clostebol during the Indian Wells Masters in March this year. The Italian claimed that the substance had entered his body through bare-handed body massages from his ex-physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi.

The physiotherapist had used a spray containing Clostebol to heal a cut on his finger, which resulted in the debacle. On top of that, the amount of Clostebol was deemed not performance-enhancing, and the ITIA cleared the World No. 1 to play. The ATP released a statement regarding the matter and stated

"We are encouraged that no fault or negligence has been found on Jannik Sinner’s part."

In a sudden turn of events, WADA has reportedly decided that Jannik Sinner's 'no fault' verdict wasn't correct under the applicable rules and is now seeking a suspension of between one and two years.

"It is WADA’s view that the finding of “no fault or negligence” was not correct under the applicable rules. WADA is seeking a period of ineligibility of between one and two years. WADA is not seeking a disqualification of any results, save that which has already been imposed by the tribunal of first instance. As this matter is now pending before CAS, WADA will make no further comment at this time."

Tara Moore took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight how Novak Djokovic-led PTPA (Professional Tennis Player's Association) was trying to find a way to help players deal with such cases.

She slammed ITIA since they didn't have a precise way to handle such cases and said they didn't leave any choice for WADA but to appeal. Moore also stated that this was not Jannik Sinner's but the ITIA's fault for not having a consistent procedure.

"The @ptpaplayers is trying to figure out a way to work with the players on these cases. The ITIA need to have a precise, monotonous process for each case. They don’t and WADA would have looked incompetent if they didn’t pull it up. This is not the fault of Jannik. This is on ITIA," Moore tweeted.

Interestingly, Moore herself had faced a 19-month suspension after testing positive for nandrolone metabolites and boldenone in 2022. She had earlier lamented how the Italian's case was handled and felt that there was some bias since he was a top-ranked player.

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"Disappointed and also surprised" - Jannik Sinner reacts to WADA's official to CAS

Jannik Sinner (Source: Getty)

After his Round of 16 win at the China Open, Jannik Sinner reacted to WADA's official appeal during the press conference. He expressed his disappointment and was shocked at the verdict, especially after the three hearings had a favorable outcome for the player. The Italian mentioned he was aware that WADA was going to appeal.

"I'm very disappointed and also surprised of this appeal, to be honest, because we had three hearings. All three hearings came out very positively for me. You know, I was not expecting it. I knew it a couple of days ago, that they were going to appeal, that today it's going to go official," he said.

He added,

"But yeah, it's surprise. We always talk about the same thing. Maybe they just want to make sure that everything is in the right position. Yeah, I'm just surprised that they appealed."

Jannik Sinner later put out a statement in which he expressed his thoughts in detail. The Italian is currently defending his title at the China Open and is set to take on Jiri Leheck in the quarterfinals next.