Jannik’s note in which the number 1 in world tennis says he is disconcerted by the anti-doping agency’s decision: “I will prove my innocence once again.”
The answers to the questions at the press conference were marked by politeness, elegance and detachment. Jannik Sinner now chooses firmness. In a press release, the world number 1 strongly reiterates his innocence in the Clostebol case and says he is “disappointed” by Wada’s decision to appeal against his acquittal decided by the ITIA. Promises battle, the red of San Candido. He knows that the most difficult match of his career awaits him: he will win this one too.
Sinner’s note on the doping affair
Through a note, Sinner does not hide his bitterness: “I am disappointed to learn that Wada has decided to appeal the outcome of my ITIA hearing after independent judges cleared me and declared me innocent. In the last few months and throughout this process there were three separate hearings which confirmed my innocence each time. Several months of interviews and investigations ended with three senior judges examining every detail through a formal hearing.”
“They issued an in-depth sentence – we read in the statement released by Sinner – explaining why they determined that I was not guilty, with clear evidence provided and with my collaboration throughout. Based on such a robust process, both the ITIA and the Italian Anti-Doping Authority accepted the ruling and they have given up their right of appeal”, underlines the Italian champion.
Wada’s appeal and Jannik’s doubts
The suspicion is that Wada’s move was a “political” maneuver, carried out in the wake of the wave of indignation which, especially from the United States and from the players and former players themselves, almost forced the anti-doping agency to look into the case further. “I understand that these things need to be thoroughly investigated to maintain the integrity of the sport we all love – underlines Sinner – However, it is difficult to understand what can come out by asking a different panel of three judges to review the same facts and documentation again.”
“Having said that, I have nothing to hide and, as I have done throughout the summer, I will cooperate fully with the appeal process – assures Sinner – and I will provide whatever may be necessary to once again prove my innocence. As the case is now awaiting adjudication at CAS, I will not comment further.” In short, no further statement on the matter. Even if it might take a while for it to be concluded.
The Clostebol case: why Sinner can do it
Wada’s decision to appeal against the ITIA ruling on Sinner is historic in its way: never before, in fact, had the agency appealed against the ruling of an independent international tribunal. And it contains a contradiction in terms: Wada herself, in fact, does not question the non-intentionality of Sinner’s positivity. Reason? If so, he would have requested a four-year suspension.
Jannik’s defense will essentially still focus onunawareness of Clostebol entering his body (in minimal percentages, less than one billionth of a gram), due to a treatment performed by the physiotherapist. Three doctors linked to Wada, Jean-Francois Naud, Xavier de la Torre and David Cowan, have already agreed with Sinner in the ITIA proceedings. They should do it this time too, in the new proceedings triggered by the appeal that keeps the South Tyrolean champion and his fans in suspense.
Source: sport.virgilio.it
