Mumbai: The tennis community's response to two pivotal developments in the Jannik Sinner doping saga has markedly shifted.

Initially, when the world No. 1's two positive tests were disclosed in March of the previous year, just before the US Open, most of his peers—excluding the forthright Nick Kyrgios—opted for a cautious approach, supporting the Italian's claim of innocence. However, following the three-month suspension resulting from a settlement with WADA, many have now taken a more vocal stance, moving away from neutrality.

Prominent figures such as Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Jessica Pegula, and Stan Wawrinka have expressed their opinions, using descriptors like “strange,” “weird,” “favouritism,” and “completely broken.”

These sentiments may hold some validity, as WADA concluded that the three-time Grand Slam champion “did not intend to cheat.” Nonetheless, the circumstances surrounding this case, particularly the timing and negotiation aspects, are almost unprecedented in the realm of tennis doping cases.

This situation could establish a challenging precedent. As Daniil Medvedev articulated, players facing similar allegations might now feel entitled to approach WADA and request reduced sanctions, stating, “Well, no, I want one month.” He further remarked, “Otherwise, if it’s not going to be possible, it’s going to be bizarre.”

Sinner, who tested positive for the banned substance clostebol—allegedly transmitted inadvertently by his physiotherapist—was initially granted the benefit of the doubt by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

Until recently, WADA aimed to contest this decision and sought a ban of one to two years. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had scheduled a hearing for April, highlighting the unique timelines associated with this case.

Equipped with legal representation, Sinner’s team successfully engaged with WADA and settled with notable urgency. The 23-year-old will not forfeit participation in any Grand Slam events and will be eligible to compete in his home tournament, the Rome Masters, in preparation for the French Open.

In contrast, there are numerous cases where proceedings have been extended, leading to detrimental and career-altering consequences. Simona Halep, the former world No. 1, received a four-year suspension in 2022, which was later reduced to nine months by CAS after two years. Halep has struggled to regain her former level of play and announced her retirement this month. British player Tara Moore endured a 19-month hiatus from her professional career before being exonerated by ITIA, having been found without fault or negligence regarding a doping violation.

“If all players are treated equally and this sets a future precedent, I would not be concerned, but we all know that will not be the case. Why can’t we all receive the same treatment?” Moore expressed on X this week.

Stefano Battaglino, another Italian tennis player with significantly fewer achievements, having reached a career-high ranking of No. 760, also tested positive for the same substance as Sinner in 2023. He received a four-year suspension, which was upheld by CAS last year.

The primary distinction between the two cases involving Clostebol is that Battaglino, like Sinner, claimed the substance entered his system unintentionally but failed to sufficiently demonstrate the source of the substance. The principle of strict liability in anti-doping—wherein the athlete is responsible for any substance found in their body—applies equally to both cases.

Battaglino lacked the financial resources to hire legal counsel to advocate for his case. Similarly, Indian professional Yash Chaurasia, who is provisionally suspended after testing positive for terbutaline (which he asserts he ingested through cough syrup), is awaiting a response from ITIA regarding his appeal. As Djokovic noted, many other lesser-known players are also struggling to resolve their cases or have faced lengthy bans.

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