Many players and insiders are convinced that the agreement between Jannik Sinner and WADA was not the right way to solve the doping case that involved the world number 1. After the Italian ace had been fully acquitted by ITIA in the summer of 2024, WADA had decided to appeal against that acquittal sentence by opening new proceedings before the CAS in Lausanne.
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Due to Jannik's lifestyle often traveling the world to participate in the various tournaments of the professional tour it took some time to set the date of the hearing before the CAS in Lausanne. The hearing had finally been set for April 16 and 17, in conjunction with the Munich ATP.
There was a risk that the 3-time Grand Slam champion could suffer a suspension of one to two years, which would probably have been excessive in relation to the infraction committed. For this reason, Sinner and WADA have found an agreement that was published a week ago and which provides for a three-month suspension for the Italian ace.
WADA has obtained a measure against the player, instead the 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria will be able to regularly play the Rome Masters 1000 and Roland Garrosin May.
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A highly controversial deal
A convenient solution for both parties, which however has sparked strong criticism from public opinion and beyond.
In an interview with 'Radio Canada', David Pavot professor at the University of Sherbrooke and an expert in international sports law commented severely on this agreement: "I really don't understand why WADA didn't take its appeal to the end, although there was a possibility that it could lose.
When doping affects the best athletes in the world, I believe it is a moral obligation to bring the cases to the end. Through this agreement, doubts have spread that WADA has not done its job properly.
The agreement between Sinner and WADA has left many questions open and it is for this reason that it has been strongly criticized."
The world number 1 is relaxing in the snow before returning to training.
