The ITIA has defended its handling of Jannik Sinner’s doping case despite being intensely criticised for not suspending the world No.1.

In a released statement, they said: “The process of handling anti-doping cases is complex, and we understand that it can be confusing to understand differences in outcomes or perceived inconsistencies in the process. To be clear, the process is defined by the World Anti-Doping Code, established by the World Anti-Doping Agency and the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme.

“The way we handle cases does not change, regardless of the profile of the player. How a case unfolds is determined solely by its circumstances, facts, and science. In the Sinner case, we understand that the focus of the appeal is on the interpretation and application of the rules by the independent tribunal in determining what level, if any, of fault is applicable to the player, rather than the ITIA’s investigation of the facts and science.”