Sinner Cleared Of Wrongdoing After Two Positive Tests For Banned Substance
World number one tennis player Jannik Sinner has been cleared of wrongdoing after testing positive twice for the banned substance clostebol in March. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced the decision, confirming that an independent tribunal ruled that Sinner bore no fault or negligence for the positive tests.
What happened?
Sinner tested positive for low levels of clostebol, a steroid used to build muscle mass, during the ATP Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells and again eight days later. Despite the positive tests, Sinner was allowed to continue playing after successfully appealing the automatic provisional suspensions that were applied.
The ITIA's investigation revealed that the contamination occurred unintentionally. Sinner’s physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, had been treating a cut on his own hand with an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol. Unaware of the spray’s contents, Naldi did not wear gloves when he provided daily massages and sports therapy to Sinner, leading to the unintentional transfer of the substance.
The ITIA accepted this explanation after consulting with scientific experts who found Sinner's account credible.
"We take any positive test extremely seriously and will always apply the rigorous processes set out by WADA," said ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse.
She added that the thorough investigation and the cooperation from Sinner and his team played a key role in the tribunal’s decision.
Sinner’s results from Indian Wells disqualified despite being cleared of intentional wrongdoing
While Sinner has been cleared of intentional wrongdoing, the tribunal ruled that his results, prize money, and ranking points from Indian Wells would be disqualified. The decision means he will lose 400 ranking points and $325,000 in prize money. The ruling is still subject to appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Sinner expressed relief at the tribunal's decision, stating, "I will now put this challenging and deeply unfortunate period behind me."
He reaffirmed his commitment to compliance with the ITIA's anti-doping program and emphasised the importance of his team’s diligence in such matters.
However, not everyone in the tennis community is satisfied with the outcome. Australian player Nick Kyrgios criticised the ruling, calling it "ridiculous" and arguing that any positive test, regardless of intent, should result in a suspension. Other players like Liam Broady and Denis Shapovalov also voiced their concerns on social media.
