World No. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner recently faced a doping controversy that led to the split with his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, and trainer, Umberto Ferrara. Here’s what happened:
Positive Tests and Contamination
Sinner tested positive for the banned steroid clostebol during and after the Masters 1000 tournament at Indian Wells.
An independent tribunal found that the contamination occurred due to a healing spray used by Naldi to treat a cut on his own hand. Naldi inadvertently exposed Sinner to the substance during regular full-body massages.
The amount of clostebol detected in Sinner’s system was minuscule and had no performance-enhancing effect.
No Fault or Negligence
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) ruled that Sinner bore “no fault or negligence” in the matter.
Despite this, Sinner lost ranking points and prize money from the tournament.
Sinner’s Statement
Sinner expressed relief and stated that he would continue to comply with the ITIA’s anti-doping program.
His lawyer emphasized that Sinner was innocent but responsible under strict liability rules.
Escaping Suspension
Sinner successfully applied to have the provisional suspension lifted.
He went on to play in the French Open and Wimbledon, reaching the semi-finals and quarter-finals, respectively.
Jannik Sinner in 2024
WWWWWWWWWW Currently ranked no.1, Jannik played his last match on the 19th of August when he beat world no.20 Francis Tiafoe 7-6(4) 6-2 in the final in Cincinnati to win his 16th career title.
At present, during this year the Italian has a compiled 48-5 record. Sinner clinched 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.
