Recently crowned U.S. Open champion Jannik Sinner finds himself in the spotlight for a different reason as time runs out for appeals to be filed in his exoneration from doping allegations.

The decision that cleared Sinner’s name was announced by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) on Aug. 20, leaving the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and Nado Italia, Italy’s anti-doping agency, with just one more day to challenge it. They have a 21-day window to file an appeal to the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Sinner had tested positive for an anabolic steroid in March, but the ITIA found that the banned substance entered his system unintentionally during a massage from his physiotherapist. The doping case was kept under wraps until Sinner emerged victorious in the U.S. Open final against Taylor Fritz.

While an appeal could potentially jeopardize his U.S. Open title, Sinner and his legal team have provided detailed scientific evidence to support their claim of unintentional ingestion.

Sinner admitted that the months leading up to the resolution of his case were challenging, hindering his ability to enjoy certain moments. However, with the cloud of suspicion lifted, he is looking forward to reconnecting with his true self.

The process of appealing a doping case at CAS can be expedited if all parties cooperate, as seen in previous high-profile cases like that of Maria Sharapova. Sharapova’s ban was reduced from two years to 15 months following an appeal process that lasted just four months.

Sinner’s case involves complex details surrounding the inadvertent ingestion of a banned substance, which he attributed to his physiotherapist’s treatment for a cut. While skeptics question the handling of the case, the focus remains on the scientific evidence presented.

Regardless of the outcome of any potential appeal, Sinner is determined to continue his career in professional tennis, armed with newfound lessons from the ordeal.

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