Former Australian tennis star Mark Woodforde, who topped the world doubles rankings and formed a legendary partnership with Todd Woodbridge, has weighed in on the precarious situation surrounding Jannik Sinner.
As the Italian tennis sensation awaits the decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding his WADA appeal concerning a positive test for Clostebol during the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, the stakes could not be higher. The looming threat of disqualification due to negligence hangs over Sinner like a dark cloud.
In an exclusive interview with Tennis365, Woodforde expressed his concerns, suggesting that the possibility of a disqualification remains firmly on the table for the world number one. “Sinner had an outstanding season last year, but now he faces a daunting challenge with the CAS trial approaching. The speculation is rife about the potential outcomes, and I believe he might face a suspension as well,” Woodforde articulated.
Having previously clinched championship titles in all four Grand Slam events, Woodforde delved into Sinner’s circumstances. He noted, “Despite the legal troubles, Sinner has managed to focus on the court, delivering incredible performances while trying to keep this situation at bay. However, it’s crucial for him to maintain this focus during the ongoing proceedings, and that’s certainly no easy feat.”
Sinner encountered a rocky start at the US Open but rallied impressively in the later rounds. Now, as he heads into Australia as the defending champion, the pressure intensifies. Woodforde remarked, “It will be intriguing to observe how he navigates these challenges ahead of him.”
Fans and followers of tennis will be holding their breath, as Sinner’s fate will likely be revealed in late February or early March, pending the CAS’s final ruling. The WADA has suggested a ban of 1 to 2 years, but realistically, Sinner could find himself facing a suspension of 1 to 3 months instead.
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