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Is WADA's intervention in Jannik Sinner's case justified, or is it a witch hunt?

Jannik Sinner‘s doping case has overshadowed every other news in the fraternity. Despite receiving a verdict, Sinner’s case recorded a new twist following WADA’s new appeal. While the appeal decides the Italian’s fate, the topic has divided everyone with some supporting and others accusing him. Now a former American player offers her opinion while explaining the issue and shows why WADA’s appeal makes sense in Sinner’s case.

Jannik Sinner’s doping case has met an unexpected twist since WADA appealed to CAS for a transparent judgment. After the appeal, more ATP, WTA stars, and former players came forward with their opinions. Former American pro-Alexandra Stevenson also had an interesting opinion on the matter. In conversation with host Hugues Laverdière for Serving Aces, Stevenson offered an interesting comment.

Well, they are going after Sinner now. So, they are saying that the findings don’t go along with what has rose. Okay? So, what has rose is Clostebol that is banned, right? It’s an anabolic steroid, It’s on the ban list, Okay? So, we know in Italy they put this in cream but it is also used to recover muscles. And it is also used dermatological, which I found interesting. I read something about that the German detrmatolosists use that which may be was scarring or something but It is anabolic steriod, it does recover your muscles quicker, she said. Her statements highlighted that while the contamination might be accidental, given it is a banned substance, Sinner should have been careful.

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She then moved to the fact Sinner participated in the 2024 China Open and advanced to the semifinals despite the fiasco. Stevenson raised the question if ATP players are on the edge because of this controversy. The American star mentioned how Nick Kyrgios spoke up about it during the 2024 US Open commentary expressing a similar concern on the matter.

USA Today via Reuters

Kyrgios directly took a dig at Sinner and called his clearance “ridiculous’ during the American Slam. Pointing out the duality of the organizing committee, the Aussie player and commentator didn’t congratulate the Italian on his victory but sent condolences to Fritz for his defeat. Kyrgios made it clear Sinner wasn’t innocent to him. Now Stevenson might not call Sinner guilty but she pointed out why the Italian is facing such adversity because of the drug test failure.

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However, not all the players are against Jannik Sinner. Some have even offered their opinions supporting WADA’s appeal. For example, British player Tara Moore had an interesting take on Sinner’s case recently.

Tara Moore slams ITIA for their lackluster protocols following Jannik Sinner case

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What’s your perspective on:

Is WADA's intervention in Jannik Sinner's case justified, or is it a witch hunt?

Have an interesting take?

While Kyrgios expressed anger with Sinner, Moore was disappointed with ITIA. Tweeted on her X platform, she wrote a few days back, “The @ptpaplayers is trying to figure out a way to work with the players on these cases. The ITIA need to have a precise, monotonous process for each case. They don’t and WADA would have looked incompetent if they didn’t pull it up. This is not the fault of Jannik. This is on ITIA.” While Moore slammed ITIA, former Italian pro Adriano Panatta believed despite innocence, Sinner received favor for economic support. His rank enables him to hire top-notch lawyers compared to others. Hence, the judgment in his case was different.

Jannik Sinner’s drug test case brought an enormous question among the fraternity: does ATP behave differently with players following their rank? On the other hand, Sinner also proved his case so the question remains whether he deserved another trial. However, his dedication in China showcases his focus on matches, and if he continues like that, he will be indomitable no matter the verdict.