Berlin: World number one Jannik Sinner has expressed disappointment that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is seeking a ban of up to two years for him in connection with failed doping tests over which he was originally not banned. WADA said on Saturday that it has lodged an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to overturn a ruling from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). “Obviously I’m very disappointed and also surprised of this appeal,” the BBC quoted Sinner as saying after beating Roman Safiullin 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 at the China Open in Beijing on Saturday. He said he was aware of the appeal for several days, with WADA saying it was formally lodged on Thursday. Positive tests from March The ITIA revealed in August shortly before the US Open, which Sinner went on to win, that the Italian tested positive twice in March for low levels of the anabolic agent clostebol, which can build muscle mass. The positive tests came a few weeks after his first grand slam title at the Australian Open. Sinner successfully appealed against a provisional suspension and was then absolved of fault and negligence. (dpa)
