Former Australian Open tournament director Paul McName was left stunned after the World Anti-Doping Agency decided to appeal the ruling in the Jannik Sinner case and noted that he wasn't alone in feeling that way because it is a decision that has been "sending shockwaves through tennis."
On Saturday morning, the WADA announced that they filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) related to the Italian tennis star's doping case. Previously, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) revealed in August that the ATP world No. 1 twice tested positive for a banned steroid in March but avoided ban after the investigation determined that he "bore no fault or negligence" over the way a prohibited substance got into his body.
And exactly that "no fault or negligence" part the anti-doping agency is contesting and seeking a suspension for a period of one to two years for the two-time Grand Slam champion.
"Gee thats sending shockwaves through tennis that WADA are appealing the ITIA decision to the Court of Arbitration of Sport in the Jannik Sinner case. thats a very big call and I wasnt expecting that," 1982 Australian Open semifinalist McNamee wrote on X.
The latest development in the Sinner case is not surprising but still came as a shock
Since more than a month passed after the news of the 23-year-old's failed doping test surfaced, some thought that the two-time Grand Slam champion may avoid seeing his case being contested by the biggest sporting anti-doping agency. But ultimately, that scenario wasn't avoided.
"It is WADAs 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," the organization said in a statement.
Meanwhile, No. 1 seed Sinner was in action on Saturday in Beijing, coming back from a set down to beat Roman Safiullin 3-6 6-2 6-3 to avoid a shock exit in his opening match.
