Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has slammed the World Anti-Doping Agency’s decision to appeal the “no fault or negligence” verdict reached after Jannik Sinner’s failed drug tests. 

The former world No 1 branded WADA “a mess” as she drew a contrast with Chinese swimmers being allowed to compete following positive tests for banned substances.

Last month, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced Sinner had avoided a ban for failing two drug tests in March after an independent tribunal ruled he was not to blame.

The Italian star tested positive for low levels of clostebol, an anabolic steroid, on March 10 and 18 — during and after the Indian Wells Masters.

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

However, it was revealed on Saturday that WADA had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to impose a ban of up to two years on Sinner.

A statement from WADA 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.”

Jannik Sinner News

Jannik Sinner declared ‘innocent’ by Italian great despite ‘not democratic’ appeal criticism

Carlos Alcaraz makes ‘surprised’ confession after Jannik Sinner news – ‘Not really a good sign’

Sinner is the ATP world No 1 and has won six titles, including two Grand Slams, during a superb 2024 campaign to date.

In a post on X/Twitter, Navratilova hit out at WADA’s appeal and the anti-doping system in sport.

“This is nuts. WADA is a mess. The Chinese swimmers walk and now this? What a bad system we have,” wrote the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion.

Following the news of WADA’s appeal, Sinner expressed his disappointment at the decision in a statement.

“I am disappointed to hear that WADA have chosen to appeal the result of my ITIA hearing after the independent judges had exonerated me and deemed me to be innocent,” read the statement.

“Over the past few months and throughout this process there have been three separate hearings in each case confirming my innocence. Several months of interviews and investigations culminated in three senior judges scrutinising every detail through a formal hearing.

“They issued an in-depth judgement explaining why they determined me not at fault, with clear evidence provided and my cooperation throughout.

“On the back of such a robust process, both the ITIA and the Italian anti-doping authority accepted it and waived their rights to appeal.

“I understand these things need to be thoroughly investigated to maintain the integrity of the sport we all love. However, it is difficult to see what will be gained by asking a different set of three judges to look at the same facts and documentation all over again.

“This being said, I have nothing to hide, and as I have done throughout the summer, I will cooperate fully with the appeal process and provide whatever may be needed to prove my innocence once again.

“As the case is now pending before CAS, I won’t comment further.”

READ NEXT: Shanghai Masters draw: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in same half, Novak Djokovic could face rising American star