By BBC (Sports) | Created at 2025-01-10 16:17:19 | Updated at 2025-01-10 19:53:31
4 hours ago
Jannik Sinner's doping case will be heard behind closed doors at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) from 16-17 April 2025.
The world number one, 23, was cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent tribunal after twice testing positive for a banned substance in March 2024.
However, the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed against the decision to clear him.
It has argued the ruling, that Sinner bore no fault nor negligence, was "not correct under the applicable rules", and is asking for a ban of "between one and two years".
In a short statement, external on Friday, Cas said: "No parties requested a public hearing and it will be conducted behind closed doors."
Italy's Sinner begins the defence of his Australian Open title on Monday with a first-round tie against Chile's Nicolas Jarry, 29.
Sinner twice tested positive for clostebol - a steroid that can be used to build muscle mass - during the Indian Wells tournament last year.
He did not dispute traces of clostebol were found in his urine test and successfully argued that he had been inadvertently contaminated with the substance by his physiotherapist.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), accepted there was "no fault or negligence" attached to Sinner and he had provided a "credible" explanation.
Wada is not questioning the player's explanation of why the substance ended up in his system, but believes the independent panel's finding that Sinner held no fault or negligence is "not correct under the applicable rules".
The Italian had the best year of his career so far in 2024, winning the US Open as well as the Melbourne trophy.
He also clinched the season-ending ATP Finals and helped his country retain the Davis Cup.
However, his doping case - and that of five-time major champion Iga Swiatek - sparked discussion about how cases are handled within tennis.
Speaking before the Cas date was announced, Sinner said: "I would lie if I would tell you I forget [about the hearing].
"It's something what I have with me now already for quite a long time.
"But it is what it is."
