An Italian male tennis player holds up the winner’s trophy after triumphing in the men’s singles final on the fourteenth day of the 2024 US Open. The match took place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre in the Flushing area of Queens, New York City, on September 8, 2024. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) still has at least three weeks to decide whether to appeal the recent ruling that cleared U.S. Open champion Jannik Sinner of any doping charges. The ruling, announced by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) on August 20, found that Sinner was not at fault for his positive steroid tests. WADA’s appeal deadline extends until the end of September, thanks to the World Anti-Doping Code, which grants the Montreal-based organization extra time beyond the initial 21-day period allowed for appeals by other parties, such as Italy's anti-doping agency, Nado Italia.
Nado Italia, which, along with WADA, had the option to challenge the tribunal's decision, has yet to file an appeal. The appeal window for Nado Italia began on the day the decision was made public, but the exact start date can be tricky, as it depends on when all parties receive the full ruling and related documents.
WADA’s chance to appeal follows a 21-day period given to Nado Italia, during which they did not act. After that, WADA has an additional 21 days to make its move. This extended timeframe allows WADA to consider their position more thoroughly.
Sinner tested positive for an anabolic steroid twice in March. However, the ITIA concluded that he was not responsible for the presence of the steroid in his system. Sinner’s team argued that the positive tests were due to a banned substance in a massage spray used by his physiotherapist, who was treating a cut on his finger.
Despite the potential risk to his U.S. Open title, Sinner continued to play and won the championship by defeating Taylor Fritz in the final. His defence was strong enough to convince the tribunal, and the case remained confidential until the ruling was disclosed last month.
In summary, WADA has until late September to decide whether to appeal the decision that exonerated Jannik Sinner from doping charges. The ITIA's ruling found Sinner not at fault, despite two positive tests for a banned steroid, which was attributed to his physiotherapist's treatment.
