Jannik Sinner to face possible 2-year suspension as doping hearing begins on April 16th

Tennis World No. 1 Jannik Sinner could face a suspension of up to 2 years for his doping case. The hearing will begin on April 16th and the top-ranked tennis player will go to the sport's highest court and give his verdict regarding the issue. Previously, he was given clearance from the ITIA and was allowed to play the 2024 season. WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) appealed against the player and needs a ban for at least one year. The court for arbitration for sport now scheduled the hearing on April 16 and 17 in Switzerland which will happen behind closed doors.

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Jannik faces ban

The Italian tested positive while playing at the Indian Wells Masters in March 2024. He used a banned substance called 'Clostebol' a steroid used for building Muscle Mass which helps in generating more power during serving. ITIA investigated the matter through an independent committee where Sinner gave his side of the story and said it entered his body through a spray when his physiotherapist treated him for a cut. ITIA accepted his statement and cleared him for doping.

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Yet again, WADA appealed to the tribunal and argued to ban sinner for one or two years. Jannik Sinner on the other hand says he is innocent and stated that he was always careful during medications but the steroid entered his body by accident. Sinner is now in Melbourne for defending his Australian Open title and will definitely be upset over the news. It will also stay on the back of his mind while playing the game and could even affect his gameplay. 

Iga Swiatek another tennis star and former WTA world number 1 was also caught for doping and received a 1 month ban as a punishment. Previously five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova was banned for two years for doping. Simona Halep former WTA number 1 received a 4 year ban for doping which was later reduced to 9 months. Jannik Sinner's fate will be decided on April 16th.

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