Andy Roddick Comes To The Defence Of Tennis World No. 1 Jannik Sinner Amidst WADA Appeal

Andy Roddick has come to the defence of Jannik Sinner following the World Anti-Doping Agency’s appeal against the Italian’s acquittal on failed drug test charges.

Sinner Cleared of Wrongdoing But WADA Appeals

Roddick believes that Sinner, the world No. 1, would never intentionally take a performance-enhancing substance.

Last month, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared Sinner of any wrongdoing after he tested positive for low levels of clostebol, an anabolic steroid, in March.

The tribunal accepted Sinner’s explanation that the substance entered his body through a massage from his physiotherapist, who had used a spray containing clostebol to treat a cut on their finger.

However, WADA has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a ban of up to two years on Sinner. The agency argues that the ‘no fault or negligence’ finding was incorrect under the applicable rules.

Roddick Supports Sinner, Expresses Concern for Potential Impact

Roddick, speaking on his podcast, Served with Andy Roddick, expressed his concern for the potential impact of a ban on Sinner’s career.

“If it comes down the day after Christmas or sometime around then, he’s already gotten his training in for Australia,” Roddick said. “That lands; if it’s three months, he misses one; if it’s six months, he misses two, if it’s nine months, he misses three Slams.”

The former world No. 1 added that he believes Sinner is innocent and that the Italian would never knowingly risk his reputation and career for a performance advantage.

“I don’t believe he is an idiot; I don’t think he is consciously going to do something that does enhance performance to risk legacy, reputation, time, chance at Slams, etc.,” Roddick said.

Not everyone shares the same level of sympathy for Sinner. Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been vocal about how Sinner should be banned for doping.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ruling on the appeal is expected to arrive in February 2025.