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Xtra Time Web Desk:The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has officially lodged an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the decision by an independent tribunal that cleared World No.1 tennis player Jannik Sinner of wrongdoing after failing drug tests earlier this year. The Italian star was exonerated by the tribunal in August, allowing him to continue his season, which culminated in his victory at the US Open.

WADA confirmed in a statement released on its website that it filed the appeal on September 26, arguing that the tribunal’s ruling was incorrect under existing anti-doping rules. The agency is seeking to impose a one- or two-year ban on Sinner, despite the tribunal’s finding that he bore "no fault or negligence."

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The appeal focuses on two positive tests for Clostebol, a banned substance, which Sinner returned in March 2024. "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," the statement reads. The agency added that it is not seeking to disqualify any of Sinner's results beyond the sanctions already imposed by the tribunal. 

"As this matter is now pending before CAS, WADA will make no further comment at this time," the statement concluded.

 The Background: How Sinner Was Cleared

Sinner's case revolves around an incident in March 2024, when he unknowingly tested positive for Clostebol, an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from testosterone, which is prohibited in professional tennis. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) launched an investigation and determined that the positive result was caused by contamination during treatment by his physiotherapist.

The contamination occurred when Sinner’s fitness trainer provided the physiotherapist with a product to treat a minor cut on the physio’s finger. Unaware that the product contained Clostebol, the physiotherapist applied it to Sinner without gloves, unintentionally transferring the banned substance. Both Sinner and the physiotherapist were unaware of the product’s prohibited content.

In response to the positive test, Sinner reaffirmed his commitment to anti-doping rules, which have supported his rise to the top of tennis. The tribunal's initial decision allowed Sinner to continue competing, and he went on to win the US Open in a successful 2024 campaign.

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The appeal process is now set to unfold at CAS, where Sinner’s exoneration will be reviewed, potentially altering the course of his career.