Jannik Sinner’s stellar 2024 tennis season has been overshadowed by an ongoing doping investigation after the Italian tested positive for clostebol in March. Despite Sinner’s explanation being accepted by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA)—which ruled there was “no fault or negligence” on his part—the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has launched an appeal against this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The substance clostebol, found in Sinner’s system, is a banned anabolic steroid, commonly found in an over-the-counter skin cream called Trofodermin in Italy. Sinner argued that his physiotherapist had inadvertently transferred the substance during a massage. The ITIA panel accepted this explanation, allowing Sinner to continue competing, but WADA disagrees and is pushing for a one-to-two-year ban, although his Grand Slam titles from the Australian Open and US Open will not be affected.
The tennis world remains divided over the handling of the case. Some, like Nick Kyrgios, have been critical, suggesting preferential treatment due to Sinner’s status, while others, such as Casper Ruud, support the decision, pointing to transparency in the investigation. The Court of Arbitration for Sport has yet to set a hearing date, and a resolution may take months.
Until a final ruling is made, Sinner’s future in the sport remains uncertain, with the potential for a lengthy suspension if WADA’s appeal succeeds. The case underscores the challenges of handling doping accusations in professional tennis, where transparency, fairness, and consistency are crucial.
Jannik Sinner in 2024
WWWWWWWWWW Ranked no.1, Jannik played his last match on the 13th of October when he defeated world no.4 Novak Djokovic 7-6(4) 6-3 in the final in Shanghai to win his 18th career title.
This season Sinner has a compiled 65-6 match record. The Italian clinched 7 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami, Halle, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Shanghai. The Italian was the runner-up in Beijing.
Sinner is scheduled to play next in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 28th of October.
Jannik Sinner |
| Embed from Getty Images |
Jannik Sinner in 2024
WWWWWWWWWW Ranked no.1, Sinner played his last match on the 13th of October when he overcame world no.4 Novak Djokovic 7-6(4) 6-3 in the final in Shanghai to win his 18th career title.
This season the Italian has managed to achieve a 65-6 match record. The Italian has won 7 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami, Halle, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Shanghai. Sinner reached the final in Beijing.
Sinner has scheduled to play next in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). He will start to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 28th of October.
Jannik Sinner |
| Embed from Getty Images |
