Jannik Sinner is waiting to know his fate regarding the doping case that has affected him in recent months. Since he was told that he had tested positive for Clostebol twice in March, a very stressful period began for the Italian ace who had to prove his innocence.
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The world number 1 received a provisional suspension from ITIA, but it was revoked very soon because his version of events was considered reliable. The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria was able to continue playing without problems in the following months, during which he participated in numerous hearings that took away a lot of energy.
Despite all this stress, Jannik has maintained impressive consistency in 2024 and has continued to win matches even without playing his best tennis. Sinner has shown exceptional mental strength, ending his 2024 with eight titles won and an abysmal advantage over all his rivals in the ATP ranking.
Shortly before the start of the US Open, in which he won the second Major title of his young career, the Italian ace was found innocent by ITIA. However in October WADA decided to appeal against the acquittal sentence asking for a disqualification from 1 to 2 years and starting a new trial before the CAS in Lausanne.
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New details
In the last few hours, important news has arrived on this process. Two of the three arbitrators who will make up the arbitration panel have been officially appointed, only that of the CAS is missing. WADA has chosen the Israeli Ken Lalo, while Sinner's team has opted for the American Jeffrey Benz. Lalo is considered one of the most experienced anti-doping lawyers and his attitude has always been particularly harsh in cases like this.
The appointment of these two arbitrators seems to exclude the hypothesis that an out-of-court agreement can be reached between the parties. While waiting for the CAS to appoint the third and final arbitrator, it is safe to assume that the trial will not take place before March. The most likely date should be just before the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells and Miami.
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During a recent interview with Sport Mediaset, former CAS member Angelo Cascella discussed Janniks doping case: There is a risk of a conviction, but at the same time it is possible that the parties will hear from each other in these months and a settlement agreement can be found on something that is good for both parties and the hearing can be suspended since it will not arrive before spring 2025.
He continued: As has already happened to me, a conciliation could also be found during the hearing or even before it. It will also be necessary to see what will be included in the defense pages.
The CAS judgment can address the issue, therefore witnesses and experts that Sinner used to justify various things can be heard again, but in fact the judgment will be long. From there it will be necessary to understand what procedural choice Sinners lawyers intend to adopt.
Jannik thinks about AO
The 2-time Grand Slam champion is focused only on tennis right now and is carrying out his preparation in Dubai with his entire team (Vagnozzi, Cahill, Panichi and Badio). The world number 1 will return to Italy very soon to spend Christmas with his family. Immediately after Christmas, the Italian champion will fly to Australia to get used to the conditions and weather in view of the first Major tournament of the new season.
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Just like last year, Sinner will not play any official tournaments before the AO. The world No. 1 will practice hard at Melbourne Park and will play a couple of exhibition matches in the week leading up to the Happy Slam. Jannik will be the man to beat in Australia, where he will try to defend the title won this year (he defeated Russian ace Daniil Medvedev after an amazing battle) and send another message to all his opponents.
The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria will have several dangerous rivals 'Down Under', starting with Carlitos Alcaraz. The young Spaniard has never shone in Australia so far, but he is ready for a brilliant 2025 in which he will try to return to world number 1.
Alexander Zverev is certainly one of the favorites, having closed 2024 with excellent results (he won the Rolex Paris Masters) and having changed his attitude from the past.
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No one will be able to underestimate a legend like Novak Djokovic, who has won ten times at Melbourne Park and will have the support of Andy Murray in his box. The 37-year-old from Belgrade will be the number 7 seed at the AO and could be a threat to Jannik already in the quarterfinals.
