“It’s important to explain how it works”: Italy’s Olympic medal-winning swimmer questions dealing of Jannik Sinner’s doping case
Olympic gold medalist Federica Pellegrini has voiced concerns over how Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner’s doping case has been handled, questioning the process and fairness applied.
Sinner, 23, widely considered the top Italian player in men’s singles, tested positive for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024. Despite the positive test, Sinner avoided a ban after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared him, accepting his legal team’s explanation: the substance entered his system through accidental contamination via his physiotherapist, Naldi, who applied a topical spray to a cut on Sinner’s finger.
WADA Appeals — and Settles
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) challenged the ITIA’s ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), demanding a two-year ban. However, a settlement was reached that handed Sinner a reduced three-month suspension, ending just in time for the Rome Masters in May 2025.
Pellegrini Speaks Out
Speaking to La Repubblica, as reported by Tennis365, Pellegrini expressed skepticism about the case’s outcome. The 36-year-old swimming legend emphasized the importance of strict liability in doping rules—where athletes are responsible for what enters their body, regardless of intent.
“Jannik is well-liked and is therefore defended in every way, no matter what—and I think that’s fair,” she said. “But I believe his case was handled differently from 99% of other athletes.”
Pellegrini noted that elite athletes undergo doping controls all year round and stressed the need for public understanding of how strict team liability works.
“It’s not my fault if my physio drinks a beer and causes an accident, but it is my responsibility if he applies a cream and I test positive,” she said. “That principle applies to everyone. So why was this case handled differently?”
Athlete Support and Public Reactions
Sinner has received backing from fellow players, including Casper Ruud, who said he “always considered him innocent.” Former US star Andy Roddick also weighed in, predicting overblown reactions to Sinner’s form upon return.
