The drug case against Jannik Sinner is still ongoing as the World Anti-Doping Agency is appealing and seeking a ban for one to two years – after the Italian originally avoided a ban despite failing two anti-doping tests had

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced that it is appealing the ruling that led to Jannik Sinner escaping a ban for failing two anti-doping tests.

Last month, Sinner avoided suspension after a court acknowledged the contamination occurred during a massage given by his physiotherapist.

When the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced the failed tests, it said that although Sinner would have to deduct 400 ranking points and $250,000 (£186,932), there was “no fault or negligence” on his part and he would be allowed to compete at the US Open the following week – an event he won.

However, in a shocking announcement on Saturday morning, WADA confirmed that it disagreed with the original findings that there was “no fault or negligence” by the world's No. 1 offender and lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

They also said they were aiming for a ban of between one and two years for the Italian.

Sinner did not serve the ban after he was acquitted despite two positive anti-doping tests

But WADA disputed that ruling and appealed to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday

It said in a statement: “The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirms that it has lodged an appeal with the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Thursday September 26 in the case of Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner, which was appealed by an independent International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) tribunal found no fault or negligence as he tested positive for Clostebol, a banned substance, twice in March 2024.

“In WADA’s view, the finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ was incorrect under the applicable rules.

“WADA is requesting a ban of between one and two years. WADA does not seek annulment of any results except those already imposed by the trial court.

“As this matter is currently before CAS, WADA will have no further comment at this time.”

In response to the news, ITIA released a statement saying: “The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) recognizes the decision of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to challenge the No Fault or Negligence ruling.” to appeal in the case of the Italian tennis player.” Jannik Sinner, issued by an independent arbitral tribunal appointed by Sport Resolutions on August 19, 2024. Under the provisions of the World Anti-Doping Code, WADA has the final right to appeal any such decisions.

“Once we reached agreement on the facts following a thorough investigative process, the case was referred to a tribunal completely independent of the ITIA to determine the extent of the culpability and therefore the sanction given the unique circumstances and the absence of a comparable precedent .”

“The trial was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the World Anti-Doping Code; However, the ITIA recognizes and respects WADA’s right to appeal the decision of the independent arbitral tribunal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”

WADA's announcement could result in Sinner being banned for one to two years

Sinner was at the China Open fighting Roman Safiullin when the news broke

When the news broke, Sinner was battling Roman Safiullin at the China Open and is expected to be asked about the matter after the match.

Mail Sport understands there is no timeframe as to when proceedings will be initiated and that Sinner will not be provisionally suspended.

The 23-year-old initially tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol during the event in Indian Wells on March 10, then again eight days later.

Sinner was provisionally suspended, but successfully appealed both cases and was allowed to continue playing while the court considered the evidence. However, he was deprived of the prize money and ranking points he had earned in Indian Wells.

After a lengthy closed-door investigation, the player's reason for the extremely small amount of Clostebol in his body – less than a billionth of a gram – was accepted at a hearing in London in August.

Sinner explained that his fitness trainer Umberto Ferrara bought an over-the-counter spray containing the steroid a month before his trip to Indian Wells in Italy. Then Sinner's physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi cut his finger during the Indian Wells event and Ferrara advised him to use the spray to treat the wound.

Then a statement from the Sinner team said: “The physiotherapist treated Jannik and his lack of care coupled with various open wounds on Jannik's body caused the contamination.”

The court also found: “There is no indication that the low concentration in his system had any performance-enhancing effect.”

Clostebol is a derivative of testosterone and can therefore support muscle growth and regeneration. It has been the cause of several failed doping controls in sport, particularly in Italy – one of the few countries where products containing Clostebol can be sold over the counter.

After the original verdict, Sinner said in a statement: “I will now put this very challenging and extremely unfortunate time behind me.”

“I will continue to do everything I can to ensure I remain compliant with ITIA’s anti-doping program and I have a team around me who are meticulous in their own compliance.”

Sinner won the Australian Open earlier this year, claiming his first Grand Slam title

Sinner also won the US Open, which began just a week after he avoided a suspension

Jamie Singer, Sinner's lawyer, added at the time: “Anti-doping rules have to be very strict to be effective.” The unfortunate consequence is that, from time to time, completely innocent athletes become involved.

“There is no doubt that Jannik is innocent in this case. The ITIA has not questioned this key principle.

“According to the rules, he is responsible for the mistakes made by his team members and unfortunately these mistakes led to a positive test.”

Sinner, who also won the Australian Open earlier this year, moved to world No. 1 in June and is expected to dominate the next generation of tennis alongside Carlos Alcaraz.