Top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner addressed doping allegations on Friday, asserting his innocence while ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi affirmed the integrity of the process.
Sinner, currently world number one, tested positive twice for the steroid clostebol in March.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared Sinner, accepting his explanation that the substance entered his system through a contaminated spray used by his physiotherapist.
However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the ITIA's decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, leaving Sinner awaiting a final verdict and a potential suspension.
Sinner maintained his innocence, emphasizing his meticulous approach to medications and nutrition.
“When the bottle is open, I throw it away, I take a new one,” he explained, highlighting his caution.
He reiterated his confidence in his actions.
“In my mind I know exactly what happened, and that’s how I block it (out).”
He affirmed his innocence and determination to continue playing.
“I haven’t done anything wrong, that’s why I’m still here. That’s why I’m still playing.”
Despite his focus on the upcoming Australian Open, where he faces a challenging first-round match against Nicolas Jarry, Sinner admitted the situation weighs on his mind.
“You think about this, of course,” he acknowledged.
He admitted the ongoing nature of the situation.
“I would lie if I would tell you I forget.”
He described the persistent nature of the issue.
“It’s something what I have with me now already for quite a long time. But it is what is. I’m here trying to prepare the Grand Slam. Let’s see how it goes.”
Sinner stated he had no further information on the WADA appeal's timeline.
“I know exactly as much as you guys know.”
He emphasized the lack of clarity on the situation.
“We are in a stage where we don’t know many, many things.”
Novak Djokovic recently called for increased transparency in tennis doping cases, suggesting potential disparities in treatment based on player ranking.
Gaudenzi refuted these claims in an interview with the Australian Associated Press, emphasizing the proper handling of Sinner's case.
“I genuinely believe there has been a lot of misinformation out there, which is unfortunate,” Gaudenzi stated, dismissing inaccuracies in reporting.
He affirmed the impartiality of the process.
“I am 100 percent sure that there has not been any preferential treatment. The process has been run by the book and according to the rules, by the ITIA.”
While Djokovic expressed belief in Sinner's contamination explanation, he also criticized the lack of transparency throughout the process.
Gaudenzi, however, stated he was only informed about the case shortly before the ITIA's announcement, emphasizing the independent nature of the investigation.
“I initially was a bit shocked. (But) it is completely independent and they obviously went to an independent panel.”
Gaudenzi urged patience while the process unfolds, expressing confidence in the sport's resilience even if Sinner faces a ban.
“If that is the case, I think he’ll survive and I think we’ll survive. Overall, tennis is a very strong product,” he concluded, highlighting the enduring strength of the sport.
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