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World number one Jannik Sinner said on Monday that he was in “very difficult times” and was experiencing sleepless nights because of his doping case.

The 23-year-old is under renewed scrutiny after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Saturday it was seeking a ban of up to two years after he tested positive twice for traces of the steroid clostebol in March had been.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared the Italian of wrongdoing in August, and weeks later he won the US Open and claimed his second major title.

The ITIA accepted Sinner's explanation that the drug entered his body when his physiotherapist used a spray containing the active ingredient to treat a cut and then offered the player massage and sports therapy.

“First of all, it's not a situation I like to be in, it's a very delicate and difficult and different situation,” said Sinner in Beijing after beating Jiri Lehecka 6:2, 7:6 (8/7) in the quarterfinals. had defeated. 6).

“But I know I always try to remind myself that I didn’t do anything wrong.

“I certainly had sleepless nights during this time. Now it won’t be easy again.”

WADA appealed the decision to acquit him to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and reopened the case.

“Of course disappointed that I’m in this situation again,” said Sinner.

“I just try to kind of focus on my job and do everything I can to be ready for every game I play.”

“But yes, this is a very difficult moment for me and also for my team.”

The ITIA found Sinner to be “not at fault or negligent” in the high-profile case and gave him permission to continue playing.

WADA said on Saturday: “WADA considers that the finding of 'no fault or negligence' was incorrect under the applicable rules.”

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