Makes no sense
The ITIA, an independent body set up by the sport’s governing bodies in 2021, said it had consulted experts who concluded that Sinner’s explanation was credible and therefore did not object to his appeal to lift the provisional suspensions.
Former British doubles number one Tara Moore, who was out of action for 19 months for failing a doping test before being acquitted last year, took to social media to highlight the difference between the handling of her case and Sinner’s.
“I guess only the image of the top players counts,” Moore wrote.
“I guess only the opinion of an independent tribunal on the top players is considered to be sound and correct. Yet they are questioning it in my case. It just doesn’t make sense.”
Former Wimbledon champion Simona Halep was provisionally suspended in October 2022 and later banned for four years for two anti-doping rule violations.
In March, however, the prison sentence was reduced to nine months following an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), founded in 2020 by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil, said there needed to be consistency in the system.
“It is generally a good thing when players win appeals against doping violations,” says Ahmad Nassar, executive director of the players’ advocacy group.
“But we must have clear, uniform processes for all players. Regardless of whether they are ranked first, 100th or 1,000th, whether they are men or women. And regardless of which region of the world they are from.”
“The lack of a clear and consistent system creates obvious problems for players who do not match the perceived ranking, gender and/or nationality of choice. The lack also undermines the credibility of the tennis establishment with fans and the media.”
Tuesday’s decision can still be appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency or the Italian Anti-Doping Agency.
Reuters has asked the ITIA for further comments in light of the criticism.
Australian Nick Kyrgios also criticized the decision.
“Ridiculous – whether it was accidental or planned,” the 2022 Wimbledon finalist wrote on social media.
“If you get tested twice with a banned (steroid) substance… you should be gone for two years.”
