World No. 1 men’s tennis player, Jannik Sinner, has been at the center of a recent doping controversy. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed that Sinner tested positive twice for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol in March 2024. However, despite the positive tests, Sinner will not face suspension because an independent tribunal ruled that the violations were not intentional.
Sinner, an Italian player who turned 23 in August, won his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open earlier this year. He reached the semifinals at the French Open and the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. His recent victory at the Cincinnati Open further solidified his position as one of the top stars in men’s tennis, alongside rising talent Carlos Alcaraz.
During the Indian Wells hard-court event in March, Sinner tested positive for low levels of a metabolite of Clostebol. He was provisionally suspended due to these test results but successfully appealed, allowing him to continue competing on tour. Sinner explained that a member of his support team inadvertently used an over-the-counter spray containing Clostebol to treat a small wound, leading to the positive tests. The ITIA accepted his explanation, and an independent panel ruled that no fault or negligence applied in his case.
The ATP released the following statement:
‘We are encouraged that no fault or negligence has been found on Jannik Sinner’s part. We would also like to acknowledge the robustness of the investigation process and independent evaluation of the facts under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP), which has allowed him to continue competing. This has been a challenging matter for Jannik and his team, and underscores the need for players and their entourages to take utmost care in the use of products or treatments. Integrity is paramount in our sport.’
ATP STATEMENT ON JANNIK SINNER
‘We are encouraged that no fault or negligence has been found on Jannik Sinner’s part. We would also like to acknowledge the robustness of the investigation process and independent evaluation of the facts under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme…
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 20, 2024
Jannik Sinner in 2024
WWWWWWWWWW Currently ranked no.1, Sinner played his last match on the 19th of August when he overcame world no.20 Francis Tiafoe 7-6(4) 6-2 in the final in Cincinnati to win his 16th career title.
This season the Italian achieved an overall 48-5 record. Sinner clinched 5 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami, Halle and Cincinnati.
Sinner is scheduled to compete next at the U.S. Open (U.S. Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 26th of August.
