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topicnews · September 30, 2024

Panatta defends sinners in Clostebol affair and questions WADA’s appeal

Panatta defends sinners in Clostebol affair and questions WADA’s appeal

Italian tennis legend Adriano Panatta criticizes WADA’s appeal against Jannik Sinner in the context of the doping scandal that continues to rock the ATP Tour. The former French Open champion said the appeal process was “not democratic” and questioned his compatriot’s innocence.

Sinner tested positive for Clostebol twice at the last tournament in Indian Wells. The penalty includes loss of prize money and points earned during the tournament.

Panatta defends sinners in Clostebol affair

The case only came to light in late August, after Sinner won the Cincinnati Open title and was preparing for the start of the US Open. The world number one, unlike other players in seemingly similar cases, was not banned and his innocence was established five months after the doping finding.

According to the investigation, Sinner was accidentally contaminated by his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi, who used a skin cream containing the banned steroid. Because he handled the two-time Grand Slam champion without gloves, Sinner was contaminated with a minimal amount that did not affect his performance.

A few days ago it was announced that WADA is appealing against the ITIA’s ruling and is requesting a ban of one to two years for violating the rules. Former world No. 4 Panatta defended the current world No. 1: “Sinner is innocent. The substance detected is negligible, we know that Clostebol is extremely easily transmitted, just a handshake is enough,” said Panatta. “It was a mistake or carelessness on the part of the physiotherapist.”

Jannik Sinner at 2024 Indian Wells.

“The appointment system is not democratic. I believe in Sinner’s innocence, but I also believe in the right to an adequate defense, even for those with fewer resources,” he added. “The problem is that the top players have an income that allows them to afford the best lawyers, while there are players who can’t even buy a plane ticket.”

Upon hearing the news of the appeal, one Sinner commented during the China Open: “Of course I am very disappointed and also surprised by this appeal, to be honest, because we have had three hearings,” said the Italian. “All three hearings were very positive for me. I didn’t expect that. I found out a few days ago that they were going to appeal, and today it became official, so…”

“But yes, it’s a surprise. We always talk about the same thing. Maybe they just want to make sure everything is in the right place. Yeah, I’m just surprised they appealed.”

A 10th semi-final for Jannik Sinner in 2024! 🇮🇹🇨🇳 More wins than any other male player this season – 58! 👏

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