Sinner not stressed by CAS ruling on WADA appeal: “I’m very positive of how it’s going to be”

The Italian is focused solely with on-court matters, ahead of the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ruling on WADA’S appeal next year

Jannik Sinner (Ita) defeated Daniil Medvedev (Rus) at the US Open 2024 || 296340_0010

Antoine Couvercelle / Panoramic

Olly Paton

November 14, 2024

Jannik Sinner looked in fine form vs Daniil Medvedev during his final round-robin match at the ATP Finals, securing a 6-3, 6-4 victory.

After the match, during a short press conference, the world No 1 was asked about the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) concerning ruling that the Italian was not negligent for two failed doping tests earlier this season.

Sinner twice tested positive for trace amounts of the steroid clostebol during Indian Wells. The reason given by the two-time Grand Slam champion was that his physio Giacomo Naldi had a wounded finger during Indian Wells, and subsequently treated it with an ointment containing clostebol – before massaging Sinner without gloves. Thus, they argue, the steroid was absorbed through the skin.

The story remained a secret to the public before the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) ruled that he bared ‘no fault or negligence’ in August. WADA then appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in October, and the ruling on the appeal is expected to come down early next year.

Sinner highlighted that he is solely focused on his matches and training, not off-court activities – such as the WADA appeal:

“No, I have been in this position three times already. Three times we had the hearing. Three times came to my way, which is positive. Of course, it’s not a position where I like to be in. But, you know, I’m going to work together with everyone, like I did before, then we see what comes out. I’m very positive of how it’s going to be.”