Former top-10 star Lucas Pouille believes there have been “double standards” in Jannik Sinner’s doping case, claiming the world No 1 was “lucky” to avoid an initial ban.
Sinner’s two positive tests for clostebol have undoubtedly been the biggest talking point of the season, with the revelation of the failed tests first coming towards the end of August.
However, the controversy has grown again this past week after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed they were appealing the Italian’s punishment.
Sinner was able to avoid an initial suspension and ultimately a ban after being found to be of “no fault or negligence” for the two failed tests by the International Tennis Integrity Association (ITIA).
The Italian was successfully able to argue that he was accidentally contaminated by his former physio, who had used a skin cream containing the steroid before massaging the world No 1.
WADA is not contesting the “no fault” ruling but believes the punishment was not severe enough, and has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for a ban between one to two years.
The case has divided the tennis world ever since it emerged the day after Sinner won the Cincinnati Open, and former world 10 Pouille is the latest player to suggest that the Italian was treated differently due to his status.
In an interview with French site Tennis Actu, the 30-year-old claimed that players should be “responsible” for everything that goes into their bodies.
‘Would never have happened to Novak Djokovic’ – Jannik Sinner told ‘negligence’ caused failed drug tests
Carlos Alcaraz claims ‘tennis is different’ as he discusses ‘weird’ Jannik Sinner plane journey
“I think we’re lost with the different entities,” said Pouille.
“Beyond all the medical authorities, the tennis circuit already has the ATP, the ITF, the Grand Slams and the WTA.
“Jannik Sinner was cleared by an independent tribunal. Now, it’s the WADA that is appealing. Once again, it’s going in all directions. We don’t really know what’s going on.
“Are there double standards? I would say yes. He was cleared, good for him. I don’t think he took anything intentionally.
“He’s a player I really liked, who I loved watching play, but for me, when you sign the anti-doping papers, you are responsible for everything you put into your body. It’s not a small product.
“So yes, what he had in his body was tiny… but still lucky, I want to say.”
News of WADA’s appeal came during the China Open in Beijing, where Sinner was the defending champion and ultimately made the final once again, falling to Carlos Alcaraz.
The Italian is in action at the Shangai Masters this week, looking to win his seventh title of 2024.
There is no official timeframe as to when CAS will announce their decision, but it seems likely there will be no ruling until early next year.
Read Next: Novak Djokovic’s 7 incredible Shanghai Masters records – and one he could break in 2024
