ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi finally spoke about Jannik Sinner‘s doping situation, saying the rules could have been clearer. Sinner tested positive twice for clostebol at the Indian Wells Open in March. After a five-month private investigation by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), he was cleared of any wrongdoing and avoided a ban.
The ITIA believed Sinner’s claim that clostebol got into his body through massages from his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi. Naldi used a spray given to him by Umberto Ferrara, Sinner’s fitness trainer, which contained the banned substance. However, not everyone agreed with this outcome.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) wasn’t satisfied with ITIA’s decision and appealed it. They thought Sinner should face a ban lasting one to two years. This whole ordeal has been tough on Sinner since March . He shared feelings of “complete darkness” upon learning about the positive tests but maintains he did nothing wrong.
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| it Jannik Sinner | 23 | 15,405 | 33 - 3 |
Confusion and Communication:
Fans might wonder why this case stayed private while being investigated, unlike other cases where players face immediate suspension. Darren Cahill explained that because they quickly identified how clostebol entered Sinner’s system, he was allowed to continue playing during the investigation.
The choice not to suspend him wasn’t against any rules but left many confused due to poor communication from governing bodies. Gaudenzi admitted that while the process was fair and by the book, explaining these rules better would have helped avoid misunderstandings among fans.
“We are completely external and it’s an independent process,” Gaudenzi stated during a discussion with reporters. “I generally think it has been a fair process.”
He also mentioned learning about Sinner’s case only a day before it went public, appreciating ITIA’s independence in handling such matters without interference from ATP officials like himself.
“I learned the day before we all learned,” Gaudenzi said happily, acknowledging ITIA’s intentional secrecy as proof of their independence.
Looking ahead, WADA’s appeal is still pending with no decision expected until early 2025—leaving Sinner in limbo for now as he waits anxiously for what comes next. What do you think will happen?
