According to reports, Jannik Sinner could lose his US Open title despite his victory over Taylor Fritz and the second Grand Slam of his tennis career.
The Italian won comfortably in two sets over his American opponent on Sunday, securing the Australian Open title he had won at the beginning of the year.
Sinner’s participation in the tournament was controversial, however, as the 23-year-old had already failed two doping tests earlier this year.
He was later acquitted of any wrongdoing by an independent court after claiming that an anabolic steroid entered his body during a massage given by his physiotherapist.
Jannik Sinner could lose his US Open title despite defeating Taylor Fritz and thus win the second Grand Slam of his tennis career
REUTERS
Sinner has always denied any wrongdoing.
But AP says his US Open title could still be “at risk” if either the World Anti-Doping Agency or Nado Italia, Italy’s own anti-doping agency, challenges the decision to acquit him.
Time is said to be running out to file appeals in the case in which Sinner was exonerated.
It is claimed that both agencies probably have only one day left to appeal the decision announced by the International Tennis Integrity Agency on August 20.
JUST ARRIVED: England’s footballers are happy to be rid of Gareth Southgate ahead of the match against Finland
The decision can be appealed within 21 days. The process began after all affected parties were informed last month.
Any appeal would have to be addressed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Sinner, in turn, has presented detailed scientific evidence to support the credibility of his explanation for the failed doping tests.
Both the tennis star and his team are confident that the matter has been settled, although Nick Kyrgios is among his critics.
READ MORE: Emma Raducanu is flooded with messages of support as tennis star finally breaks her silence after US Open exit
Sinner insists that the test results came about because his fitness trainer in Italy bought an over-the-counter spray called Trofodermin, which contained clostebol.
The tennis star, who was forced to give 10 interviews to the ITIA, said his physiotherapist used the cream to treat a cut on his finger.
They then treated Sinner without gloves, after which the tennis star said he threw away two of his sneakers.
If Sinner loses an appeal before the CAS, he faces a maximum ban of two years – instead of the usual four.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Jannik Sinner was too strong for Taylor Fritz in the US Open final on Sunday evening
REUTERS
Four-year bans are mostly reserved for athletes who cannot prove that their positive test was unintentional. Sinner, on the other hand, has clear evidence to support his argument.
Meanwhile, the new US Open champion admitted last night that the recent ordeal was “still fresh in his mind” as he wrote his name in the history books.
However, he was pleased to win a second major.
“I’m happy with how I handled it. I’m just happy to have this trophy with me,” he said. “It was and still is a little bit in my memory.”
Jannik Sinner was emotional after winning the US Open on Sunday evening
REUTERS
“It’s not that it’s gone, but when I’m on the pitch I try to concentrate on the game and handle the situation as best as I can.
“Of course, at certain moments it was very difficult for me to enjoy it.
“Even my behavior or my gait on the court at certain tournaments before was not what it used to be. So those who know me better know that something was wrong.
“But during this tournament I slowly started to think a little more about who I am as a person.
“It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure, but on the other hand I tried to stay focused and I think I did a great job of that by staying mentally involved in every point I played and that’s it.”
