"Whole system needs to be blown up"- Martina Navratilova issues strongly worded statement in light of WADA's appeal in Jannik Sinner's case

Former World No. 1 Martina Navratilova voiced her criticism amid WADA raising an appeal against Jannik Sinner. On Friday, the Court of Arbitration for Sports announced that the hearing for the Italian's doping case would take place on April 16-17.

Jannik Sinner tested positive for a banned substance Clostebol back in March 2024. An Independent Tribunal heard the Italian's side and concluded that he bore "no fault no negligence". Amid this, the ATP star had to turn down $325K in prize money. However, WADA raised an appeal against his clearance, seeking a 1-2 year ban.

In a recent episode of the TC Live podcast, WTA legend Martina Navratilova criticized WADA's approach, saying that the system is flawed and needs to be overhauled.

"I'll be very diplomatic here and say that it all stinks. The whole system needs to be blown up and started over again. There is so much scrutiny over WADA right now with what they did with Chinese swimmers and Swiatek, the no. 1s, for sure they were not doping. I mean, we're trying to catch cheaters and not people that have their massage creams on their body or took a sleeping pill that they've been taking for five years and now its tainted," Navratilova said (3:07 onwards).

She also questioned the widespread air of accusing Sinner of being guilty before the verdict arrived.

"I mean you're guilty until proven innocent in this and for Sinner, he thought he was done with it and now what is appealing? Why I mean, I just don't get it. There has to be a lot of light shone onto this," she added.

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Jannik Sinner makes innocence plea ahead of 2025 Australian Open

Nitto ATP Finals 2024 - Previews - Source: Getty

Jannik Sinner recently commented on the doping row and pleaded his innocence amid preparations for the 2025 Australian Open. The World No. 1 said that he was taking every precautionary measure and also said that he was innocent.

Speaking to the media ahead of the Australian Major in Melbourne, Sinner said:

“I haven’t done anything wrong, that’s why I’m still here. That’s why I’m still playing," he said.

The Italian also pointed out that he was making sure he was free of contamination by being careful at all times.

"Very, very careful on every single medicine I take, even what I eat," he added.

Sinner is set to begin his campaign at the Australian Open 2025 against Nicholas Jarry on January 13, Monday.