New Delhi: Jannik Sinner’s explanation over his failed dope tests was convincing in light of the available evidence, World Anti-Doping Agency clarified on Monday after a row engulfed over alleged double standards in sanctions for a similar doping case.
World No. 1 tennis star Sinner agreed on a three-month ban after reaching a settlement with WADA over positive dope tests for anabolic steroid Clostebol, the same substance for which Spanish figure skater Laura Barquero was handed a six-year ban.
The discrepancy in sanctions was questioned by Spanish media even as Sinner’s fellow professional tennis players continued debating WADA’s decision of withdrawing its case at Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“The fundamental difference between the two cases is that Ms. Barquero’s version of how the substance entered her system was unconvincing in light of the evidence, such that the circumstances remained unknown as far as WADA was concerned,” WADA told The Associated Press.
“In contrast, in the Sinner case, the evidence clearly confirmed the athlete’s explanation as outlined in the first instance decision.”
‘Case resolution agreement’
Barquero had tested positive at the 2022 Winter Olympics and then again in January 2023 during an out-of-competition test conducted by the International Skating Union.
In its ‘case resolution agreement’, Barquero agreed and signed on a suspension term of six years along with with WADA and the ISU;
“If Ms. Barquero did not agree with the proposed sanction, she was not obliged to sign the case resolution agreement and was free to take the case forward for hearing at CAS,” WADA said.
WADA had initially sought a one-year ban on Sinner, challenging International Tennis Integrity Agency’s last year’s decision of not suspending the Italian.
ITIA’s independent tribunal concluded that the three-time Grand Slam champion’s contamination of the banned steroid last March was accidental and he didn’t intend to cheat.
WADA also accepted the Australian Open champion’s explanation that traces of Clostebol entered his system due to a massage from a trainer as cause for his violation.
Barquero has highlighted discrepancy in her and Sinner’s punishment on her Instagram account and could make a statement soon.
World No. 1 tennis star Jannik Sinner agreed on a three-month ban with WADA over positive dope tests for anabolic steroid Clostebol, the same substance for which Spanish figure skater Laura Barquero was banned for six years. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
