Jannik Sinner: I am confident that everything will end very, very positively

World number one Jannik Sinner is “very confident” he will avoid a doping ban after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed against a decision that cleared him after two positive tests. WADA announced on Saturday that it was seeking a ban for the US Open champion for one to two years and was appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CASA).

“I’m still surprised, but I’m cooperating as I did before, commented Jannik Sinner. “I’ve had three hearings that went in my favor, which was good, as you know. But let’s see what happens. I’m confident that everything will end very, very positively. I would be very, very surprised if the opposite happens”, said the Italian tennis player.

The appeal means the case may not be resolved before Jannik Sinner begins the defense of his Australian Open title in January. He can continue to play until the appeal is complete.

The 23-year-old Italian learned of WADA’s decision at the start of the tournament in Beijing, where he reached the final and lost to Carlos Alcaraz in contention for the title.

“I’m not in a situation where I feel comfortable, that’s for sure, because I thought it was over. Now it’s happening again, so it’s not easy”, admitted Jannik Sinner.