Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner is set to face a doping hearing in April, where his fate in the tennis world hangs in the balance. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced it will convene on April 16-17 in Lausanne to evaluate an appeal from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) against a decision by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) not to penalize Sinner following two positive tests for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol in March 2024.
The ITIA had accepted Sinner’s account that the substance was used inadvertently by a trainer treating a cut on his finger and subsequently giving him a massage. Despite the Italian athlete’s explanation and his continued success, highlighted by his US Open victory after the incident came to light, WADA has pressed for a ban of between one and two years.
With his Australian Open title defense imminent, Sinner acknowledged the shadow the case casts over his career, as he gears up to compete against Chile’s Nicolas Jarry in the tournament’s first round. Meanwhile, tennis authorities and fellow players, such as Nick Kyrgios, have expressed skepticism, though they maintain that the sport will endure regardless of the hearing’s outcome.
The proceedings could draw to a close before the French Open commences on May 25, although CAS has not stipulated a specific timeline for a verdict. As the hearing looms, Sinner is focused on preparing for upcoming challenges while internalizing the widespread scrutiny surrounding his case.
