Former tennis champion Andy Roddick has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Jannik Sinner after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the decision that initially cleared the Italian tennis star of any fault in a doping case. The appeal comes after Sinner tested positive for low levels of clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid, during and after the Indian Wells Masters in March 2024. The Independent Tribunal ruled in favor of Sinner, agreeing that the substance had accidentally entered his body through a physio’s spray used to treat a cut.
Despite the tribunal’s ruling, WADA has sought a ban of up to two years, claiming that the finding of “no fault or negligence” was incorrect. Speaking on his podcast *Served with Andy Roddick*, Roddick defended Sinner’s character, emphasizing his belief that the Italian would not knowingly engage in doping.
“I don’t believe Jannik Sinner is an idiot,” Roddick said. “I don’t think he would risk his legacy, reputation, or career by doing something that would enhance his performance.”
Roddick also discussed the potential impact of WADA’s appeal on Sinner’s upcoming season, particularly how the uncertainty might affect his preparation for the Australian Open and beyond. “If it’s a three-month ban, it’s one Slam. But if it’s six months or more, he could miss multiple Slams, which is massive for someone in their prime.”
WADA’s appeal will likely be resolved by February 2025, leaving Sinner and his team in an anxious wait.
Jannik Sinner in 2024
Currently ranked no.1, Jannik played his last match on the 2nd of October when he lost to world no.2 Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(6) 6-4 7-6(3)
in the final in Beijing (draw).During this season Sinner has a composed 59-6 match record. The Italian clinched 6 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami, Halle, Cincinnati and U.S. Open. Jannik reached the final in Beijing.
Jannik Sinner will play the world no.93 Taro Daniel in the 2nd round on Saturday at 3:00 pm on STADIUM COURT. Their current record is 1-0 for Sinner.
Jannik clinched 6 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami, Halle, Cincinnati and U.S. Open. The Italian got to the final in Beijing (China Open).
Sinner won 17 titles in his career: 8 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts, 7 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). The main draw will start on the 28th of October.
Jannik Sinner |
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