Jannik Sinner hoped his drug test nightmare was behind him after he was cleared by tennis chiefs and allowed to continue his career.

World No 1 Sinner is facing the renewed threat of a ban after the World Anti-Doping Agency launched an appeal against a ruling of “no fault or negligence” for two positive tests he returned in March.

Sinner, who won the US Open earlier this month, twice tested positive for an anabolic steroid in March but on August 20 an independent tribunal determined he was not to blame and imposed no punishment.

The tribunal accepted Sinner’s explanation that the banned substance entered his body as a result of a massage from his physio, who had used a spray containing the steroid to treat a cut on their finger.

But WADA has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking to impose a ban of up to two years on the 23-year-old Italian.

A statement from the agency said: “It is WADA’s view that the finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ was not correct under the applicable rules.

“WADA is seeking a period of ineligibility of between one and two years. WADA is not seeking a disqualification of any results, save that which has already been imposed by the tribunal of first instance.”

The handling of the case from the International Tennis Integrity Agency has been the subject of heated debate since news of Sinner’s failed tests was confirmed, with plenty of current and former players suggesting the Australian and US Open champion was given preferential treatment due to his status in the men’s game.

The ITIA has faced plenty of questions over how they dealt with the ITIA have now issued a fresh statement offering their reflection on the Sinner case and the WADA appeal.

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“Q3 of 2024 understandably brought much interest and commentary on tennis’ anti-doping processes, following the publication of an independent tribunal’s decision of No Fault or Negligence in the case of Jannik Sinner,” said Karen Moorhouse, CEO of the ITIA.

The case management process for anti-doping cases is complex, and we appreciate that it can be confusing to understand the differences in outcome, or perceived inconsistencies in the process.

To be absolutely clear, the process is defined by the World Anti-Doping Code, set out by the World Anti-Doping Agency, and the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. The way we manage cases does not change, irrespective of the profile of the player involved. The way a case unfolds is determined by its unique circumstances, facts and science.

In the case of Sinner, we understand that the appeal’s focus is on the independent tribunal’s interpretation and application of the rules when determining what, if any, level of fault is applicable to the player, rather than the ITIA’s investigation into the facts and science.

That said, we acknowledge that it is our responsibility to work with members of the tennis family to ensure that there is trust in the process, and we invite conversations with players, their representatives, and the media on this.”

The timescale of the WADA appeal process is unclear, with Sinner admitting he is disappointed that his failed drug test nightmare is back on the tennis agenda.

“I’m very disappointed and also surprised by the appeal to be honest,” said Sinner.

“I was not expecting it. Maybe they just want to make sure everything is in the right position.”

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