Fuss about Sinner

The worst possible situation for tennis

Jannik Sinner remains in the twilight.(Bild: AP)

Once again, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz enchanted tennis fans with their final in Beijing. But it could have been better. The question of whether it was right for Sinner to be allowed to play resonated insistently. A column by "Krone" editor Gernot Bachler.

Due to the protest of the World Anti-Doping Agency following the acquittal of the Italian despite two positive Clostebol tests, proceedings are once again underway against Sinner. This limbo is the worst possible situation for tennis.

Strictly according to the rules, Sinner is likely to be banned for one to two years. It doesn't matter whether he knowingly doped. The substance was administered to him via massage by physio Giacomo Naldi. According to the WADA Code, however, every athlete is responsible for their coach.

It is unusual that WADA is not seeking a retroactive ban and does not want to strip Sinner of the titles, points and dollars he has won since then. However, a disqualification would be possible in certain respects. For example, Sinner could keep the money and lose the points or vice versa. The International Court of Arbitration for Sport must deliberate on this. A quick ruling would be desirable.