The treatment received by Jannik Sinner during his doping trial has opened a truly wide debate, which has transcended the world of tennis and which will represent a significant precedent also in the future.
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After being found positive twice for Clostebol in March 2024, the Italian ace had suffered a provisional suspension by ITIA, but had been able to regularly continue playing because he immediately understood the origin of his contamination and ITIA had believed his version of events.
Despite having to face a stressful process in the following months, the world number 1 continued to play truly impressive tennis proving to have incredible mental strength for a boy of just 23 years old.
The 3-time Grand Slam champion racked up incredible numbers in 2024, until he was declared innocent by an independent tribunal before the US Open began. It seemed like the end of a nightmare for Jannik, but WADA decided to appeal against the acquittal sentence asking for a suspension of one to two years for the so-called 'strict liability'.
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Magnini comments on Sinner's case
The hearing before the CAS in Lausanne was supposed to take place on 16 and 17 April, but a few weeks ago a surprise arrived that no one expected.
Sinner and WADA have reached an agreement that provides for a three-month suspension for the Italian star, unable to compete from February 9 to May 4.
Not everyone liked this solution and most of the players accused the anti-doping system with considerable vehemence.
In the latest edition of the 'MVP Most Valuable Podcast' hosted by Flavio Dotto and Luca Bizzarri, Italian swimming legend Filippo Magnini reflected on Sinner's doping case: "Jannik is certainly a phenomenon and has brought many people closer to tennis, but he has always been supported by the press during this process.
I was massacred. He received a fairly special treatment: the provisional suspension was immediately revoked, while I and other athletes had to wait much longer. I'm a little envious of the treatment Jannik received."
