So he is number 1 in the world and apparently accused of doping twice? How exactly does that work?
Jannik Sinner, the top-ranked men’s tennis player, tested positive twice for a banned anabolic steroid in March during the Indian Wells tournament. However, he avoided suspension after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) determined that the substance entered his system unintentionally. The positive tests were attributed to contamination from a physiotherapist who had used an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol on their own skin, which was then transferred to Sinner through daily massages and sports therapy.
Sinner was provisionally suspended following the positive tests but successfully appealed, allowing him to continue competing. He will forfeit the ranking points and prize money earned at the Indian Wells tournament, but no further suspension was imposed.
The ITIA’s investigation involved consulting with scientific experts and conducting a thorough examination of the circumstances. Sinner and his team fully cooperated with the investigation, and the explanation provided by Sinner’s legal representatives was deemed plausible by the ITIA. As a result, the ITIA accepted the explanation and concluded that there was no intentional violation. An independent tribunal also found “No Fault or Negligence” on Sinner’s part, which allowed him to avoid suspension, although he had to forfeit the ranking points and prize money from the Indian Wells tournament
Both the World Anti-Doping Agency and Italy’s anti-doping body have the option to appeal the decision. The case highlights the importance of athletes and their support teams being cautious with the use of products or treatments to maintain integrity in sports. Perhaps, we should all stay tuned.
UPDATE: Sinner confirmed that he parted ways with his fitness coach Umberto Ferrara and his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi on Friday (August 23, 2024) in his first press conference since the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITA) announced Tuesday that Sinner bears “No Fault or Negligence” for the two positive doping tests.