Jannik Sinner is trying to stay focused on tennis despite hisdoping case, but the verdict is approaching and could deeply affect the future of the world number 1. The Italian ace - who will try to defend his title at the Australian Open starting Sunday 12 January - could suffer a disqualification from 1 to 2 years.
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The new trial before the CAS in Lausanne should take place at the beginning of March, but there is no certain date for the moment. The 2-time Grand Slam champion had been recognized as innocent by ITIA shortly before the start of the 2024 US Open, but WADA's decision to appeal the acquittal sentence radically changed the situation.
Barbara Schett on Sinner's doping case
The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria has remained serene in recent months and has achieved incredible results also thanks to the fundamental support of his entire team. The doping case related to Jannik has divided fans, players and insiders, generating many reactions on social media.
The Italian champion has always flaunted his innocence and was very disappointed when he learned that he would have to face a new trial. A possible disqualification would risk further damaging his reputation and breaking his magical moment.
In a long interview with 'Tennis365', former WTA number 7 Barbara Schett analyzed Sinner's current situation: He must feel under so much pressure and it cant be easy.
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I saw him briefly yesterday after his exhibition match and you get the feeling that the lightness is not there at the moment, which is understandable.
Despite everything, it has been incredible how he has been playing over the last six months or for however long this has been going on.
Also, this chapter is not closed. There could still be a substantial ban, we will see, but it must be very hard for him to deal with that. It would be interesting to see how much he can block out and how he is doing that.
She continued: A year would be a very long time, I have to say. Lets see what happens. Why is one case like this and another case like that? Its very confusing, I have to say, for everyone. For players, ex-players, journalists and everyone involved in tennis, this whole area is not clear.
