World number one Jannik Sinner has been exonerated following two failed anti-doping tests earlier this year. The Italian tennis player tested positive for low levels of a metabolite of clostebol, a steroid used to build muscle mass, during the Indian Wells tournament. A subsequent sample taken eight days later also showed low levels of the same metabolite.
Initially, a provisional suspension was applied, but Sinner successfully challenged it. An investigation by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) revealed that Sinner was inadvertently contaminated with the banned substance by his physiotherapist. The physiotherapist had used an over-the-counter spray available in Italy to treat a cut on his own hand and inadvertently transferred it to Sinner during treatments.
The ITIA accepted this explanation, ruling that the violation was not intentional. Consequently, Sinner was cleared of fault or negligence by an independent tribunal. He will not face a suspension, although he will lose ranking points from Indian Wells, where he reached the semi-finals.
In a statement, Sinner expressed relief and commitment to complying with the ITIA’s anti-doping program. The incident highlights the importance of vigilance even in inadvertent situations, as athletes strive to maintain their integrity and uphold the sport’s standards.
Jannik Sinner acknowledges the Importance of the ITIA’s strict anti-doping rules for the protection of the sport he loves.
“I will now put this challenging and deeply unfortunate period behind me. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure I continue to comply with the ITIA’s anti-doping programme and I have a team around me that are meticulous in their own compliance.”
Jannik’s lawyer, Jamie Singer of Onside Law, commented “Anti-doping rules have to be very strict to be effective. Sadly the unfortunate consequence is that, occasionally, entirely innocent athletes get caught up in them. There is no question that Jannik is innocent in this case. The ITIA did not challenge that key principle. However, under strict liability rules Jannik is responsible for whatever is in his system, even when entirely unaware of it, as in this exceptional case.”
— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) 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.
During this season the Italian owns a 48-5 record. Sinner has won 5 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami, Halle and Cincinnati.
Sinner will play 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.
