Sinner recalls “sleepless nights” during ITIA probe into doping case after WADA’s appeal

Italian Jannik Sinner, the world No 1, finds himself in legal complications again with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) approaching the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in his Indian Wells doping case.

Sinner tested positive twice for a performance enhancing steroid called Clostebol during the 2024 Indian Wells Open in March. Consequently, he faced an investigation from International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for nearly five months before being acquitted on the premise that Clostebol contamination in the samples was a result of the negligence of his physio Giacomo Naldi.

As per Sinner’s claims, Naldi used an over-the-counter spray to treat a wounded finger during the tournament in Tennis Paradise. The physio gave Sinner therapies bare-handed, exposing him to the banned substance. Thus, the ITIA cleared Sinner of wrongdoing but stripped him of the prize money and ranking points he earned at Indian Wells.

On September 26, WADA petitioned against ITIA’s ruling and sought a ban ranging from 12-24 months on Sinner amid the 23-year-old title defence at the China Open in Beijing. He defeated Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-2, 7-6 (6) in the quarter-finals on Monday to record his 58th win of the 2024 season.

In the semi-finals, he’s pitted against home-favorite Yunchaokete Bu, who stunned Russian Andrey Rublev in the quarters.

Sinner’s post-match presser, however, revolved around WADA’s action more than anything.

“First of all, it’s not a situation where I like to be in,” the Italian said answering the media. “It’s a very delicate and difficult and also different situation. But what I know is that I always try to remind myself that I haven’t done anything wrong, which already just gives you a little bit head up.”

The defending champion recalled the insomniac phase during the ITIA’s probe and reckoned the restlessness would return with WADA’s actions.

I had sleepless nights during this time.”

Jannik Sinner

“Now again it’s going to be not easy. It’s reminding you that this could happen potentially. Obviously disappointed that I am again in this situation.”

Meanwhile, Sinner hopes to direct all his energy toward the events on the tennis court and not CAS.

“I just try to stay somehow focused on my work and trying to do everything possible I can to be ready for each match I play. But yeah, this is a very difficult moment for me and also for my team.”

After ITIA’s ruling, Sinner notably parted ways with Giacomo Naldi, the physio, and Umberto Ferrera, the trainer. He brought into his team Novak Djokovic’s former staff members Marco Panichi and Ulises Badio.