Just one day after clinching the ATP 1000 Cincinnati Open title, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner has been cleared of any wrongdoing despite twice testing positive for a prohibited substance earlier this year, CNN reports.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Tuesday that Sinner was found to have “no fault or negligence” regarding his positive tests for Clostebol, an anabolic steroid. Samples collected on March 10 and March 18 during the Indian Wells tournament both indicated low levels of the substance.
In a statement on social media, Sinner explained that the positive tests resulted from inadvertent contamination with Clostebol through treatment administered by his physiotherapist. He clarified that his physiotherapist was using an over-the-counter spray to treat a cut on their own skin, which led to the contamination.
“His fitness trainer purchased a product easily available over the counter in any Italian pharmacy, which he gave to Jannik’s physiotherapist to care for a cut on the physiotherapist’s finger,” Sinner said. “Jannik knew nothing of this, and his physiotherapist did not know that he was using a product containing Clostebol. … The physiotherapist treated Jannik without gloves, and various skin lesions on Jannik’s body caused the inadvertent contamination.”
Typically, a player who tests positive would face a provisional suspension; however, the ITIA stated that Sinner successfully appealed this suspension. Scientific experts found his explanation credible, allowing him to continue competing. The case was referred to an independent tribunal, which held a hearing on August 15 and ultimately ruled in Sinner’s favor, finding no fault or negligence.
“I will now put this challenging and deeply unfortunate period behind me,” Sinner stated. “I will continue to do everything I can to ensure I comply with the ITIA’s anti-doping program and I have a team around me that is meticulous in their compliance.”
As a result of the tests, Sinner’s results, prize money, and ranking points from Indian Wells were disqualified, costing him $325,000 and 400 ranking points after reaching the semifinals.
In response to the findings, the ATP expressed its relief that no fault or negligence was found on Sinner’s part and commended the rigorous investigation under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP). “This underscores the need for players and their entourages to take utmost care in the use of products or treatments,” the statement read.
Sinner has had a remarkable season, securing five titles—more than any other player on the ATP Tour this year. He captured his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January and ascended to world No. 1 in June. With the US Open set to begin on Monday, he will enter as the top seed.
On Monday, Sinner celebrated his victory over Frances Tiafoe, winning the Cincinnati title for the first time in his career with a score of 7-6(4), 6-2.
