“For us he is responsible, he is not like Swiatek …” – Wada drops the bomb on Jannik Sinner doping case

WADA Stands Firm: Final Ruling on Jannik Sinner’s Clostebol Case Set for April 16-17

There is little room for negotiation, and even less for compromise—WADA remains resolute and has escalated its stance. On April 16 and 17, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will deliver a final verdict on the Jannik Sinner case, determining whether the world number one will face sanctions for Clostebol, the anabolic steroid detected in minimal traces during two drug tests conducted at Indian Wells last March.

The positive result was traced back to contamination from Trofodermin, a topical spray used by Sinner’s former physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, who had suffered a cut on his finger and inadvertently transferred the substance to Sinner’s minor skin abrasions during treatment sessions. In August, an independent tribunal appointed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) fully acquitted Sinner, ruling that he bore no fault or negligence.

However, WADA challenged this decision, filing an appeal in October to bring the case before CAS, arguing that the player must be held accountable.

“We do not believe that Sinner intentionally took a banned substance, but we emphasize an athlete’s responsibility for the actions of their team members,” WADA President Witold Bańka told Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita.
“A professional athlete is responsible for the conduct of their staff, and that is the essence of anti-doping regulations.”

A Double Standard? WADA’s Decision Not to Appeal Iga Świątek’s Case

Just weeks ago, WADA opted not to challenge the negotiated one-month suspension of Iga Świątek, who tested positive for Trimetazidine last August. When questioned about the apparent discrepancy, Bańka dismissed comparisons:

“These are two completely different cases that cannot be equated. Both the substances involved and the circumstances differ. WADA followed the same procedure as in any other disciplinary case, consulting an independent expert before making its decision.”

According to Bańka, a trace of Trimetazidine found in a melatonin supplement—as in Świątek’s case—is entirely distinct from a steroid transferred via an ointment applied by Sinner’s close collaborator.

“The only similarity is that both cases involve two of the world’s best tennis players.”

What’s at Stake?

Sinner, who has since ended his professional relationship with Naldi, faces a potential two-year suspension if CAS rules against him—an outcome that could significantly impact his career.